Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 1/8/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have a benign pinal tumor.  What are the chances that it may recur.  Should I have long-term survival with this?

ANSWER: There are several possible kinds of tumors there, which one is it? I need to know that to be able to answer.


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QUESTION: Pineocytoma

ANSWER: Pineocytomas are part of a spectrum of tumors from clearly benign slowly growing pineocytomas which do permit long time survival to quickly growing very malignant poorly differentiated immature (high grade) pineoblastomas with usually a very poor prognosis. Where along this scale exactly your tumor is situated can only be answered by your own dr. after your tumor has been studied by a pathologist. If you have been told that it is benign it is probably in or close to the end with a good prognosis, but you need to discuss this with your own dr. with access to your pathology report. Good luck!


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QUESTION: can menigiomas occur in the pineal region?  Can they be caused from increased pressure?

Answer
Meningiomas can occur in the pineal region, but then they grow into it from outside that (rather small) volume. They cause increased pressure they are NOT CAUSED by it! Meningiomas and pineocytomas are microscopically (and radiologically) so different that I do not think there is any risk of misinterpretation with regards to diagnosis.