Part of the endocrine system, the pineal gland helps regulate the body’s sleep cycle. Tumours that develop on the pineal gland are known as pineoblastomas, and most often develop in people under the age of 20. While rare, these tumours can progress rapidly and require timely medical treatment as a result.
Pineoblastoma can cause cerebrospinal fluid to accumulate around the brain, which leads to the following symptoms:
Genetic changes that affect cell function are the most likely cause of pineoblastoma. People with retinoblastoma, a form of cancer that affects the retinas, also have a higher risk. And while the condition is most prevalent in young people, people of all ages can experience pineoblastomas.
Some pineoblastomas can be removed via surgery. However, it might not be possible to remove the tumour completely. In this case, doctors may recommend radiation therapy, which helps reduce any remaining cancerous cells. Chemotherapy is another option, and these medications can target cancer cells to kill them or prevent them from spreading. Some patients also receive targeted drug therapies and immunotherapy.
Pineoblastoma has a five-year survival rate of up to 70%, which means the prognosis is good for most people. However, the cancer can’t be cured, and most patients will require ongoing monitoring and treatment after diagnosis.