Clinical pathology of pineal region tumors

Objective To investigate the pathological distribution and clinical characteristics of pineal region tumors (PRTs) with variant pathology.Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and pathological data of 133 patients with PRTs that were performed surgical removal from January 2000 to January 2009 in our hospital.Results Sixty-one patients (45.9%) were diagnosed as having germ cell tumors,17 (12.8%) pineal parenchymal tumors,28 (21.1%) gliomas and 27 (20.2%)other resource tumors.Sex ratio of patients with germ cell tumors,pineal parenchymal tumors and gliomas were 14.25:1 (male:female),2.4:1 and 1.15:1,respectively; their median ages were 15.3,24.7 and 28.1,respectively.The serum immunologic test showed abnormal results in 33 patients; except for 1 with metastatic tumors,the others were diagnosed as having germ cell tumors.Conclusion PRTs have many pathological types and patients with PRTs are mainly diagnosed as having germ cell tumors.Correct diagnosis can not be made by imaging,serum immunologic test or biopsy, thus,obtaining complete clinical specimen during the total tumor removal is very necessary in studying the pathology of PRTs. Key words: Pineal region tumors; Pathology,clinical; Mixed germ cell tumors