Pineal tumors are rare, skull-based tumors originating from the the pineal gland. The pineal gland, located deep in the brain, produces and secretes the hormone melatonin.
Our specialists have extensive experience treating and removing even the rarest skull base tumors, including pineal tumors. Our comprehensive, advanced treatments include:
- Microsurgery
- Endoscopy
- Advanced radiation treatment: Including IMRT and 3-D CRT
Microsurgery
Microsurgery utilizes specialized tools and techniques to remove brain tumors. At MedStar Health, our neurosurgeons are skilled in the use of sophisticated technologies that allow access and removal of both hard to reach and complex pineal tumors. One such technology is neuronavigation, a GPS-like tool that guides surgeons through critical brain structures and pathways before and during operations.
Endoscopy
Neuroendoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure using a specially designed endoscope (a long, flexible tube equipped with a light at the end of it) and high-definition cameras and monitors to gain access to and remove your pineal tumor through your brain ventricles (reservoirs for brain fluid). Recovery after neuroendoscopy is often quicker and has fewer complications than traditional neurosurgery.
Our providers
Expert neurology care
Getting the care you need starts with seeing one of our skull base tumor specialists.