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Pineoblastoma is a type of cancer that originates in the pineal gland situated in the center of the brain. This gland produces melatonin, a hormone that regulates the natural sleep-wake cycle of an individual. Pineoblastoma starts with the uncontrolled multiplication of cells in the pineal gland, leading to the destruction of healthy tissues.
Although pineoblastoma can occur at any age, it is more prevalent in young children. Symptoms of this condition may include headaches, drowsiness, and irregularities in eye movement.
Pineoblastoma treatment can be challenging. It may disperse both inside the brain and into the cerebrospinal fluid. Rarely does pineoblastoma spread outside of the central nervous system. Surgery is typically used as part of the treatment to get rid of the cancer as much as feasible. Additionally, additional therapies might be suggested.
Symptoms
It is important to note that individuals with pineoblastoma may experience varying numbers and intensities of symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor for more personalized information regarding the disease. Your experience with pineoblastoma may differ from that of others, and seeking professional medical advice is crucial in managing the condition.
Some of the common symptoms of pineoblastoma include:
- Pinealoma (a pineal gland tumor)
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Vision problems such as double vision, blurred vision, and loss of peripheral vision.
- Change in eye movements
- Cognitive or memory impairment
- Behavioral changes
- Coordination, balance, or movement problems
- Seizures
Cause
The exact inherited genetic variations in the two genes RB1 and DICER1 can raise the chance for a Pineoblastoma, yet the etiology of this cancer is unknown.
Diagnosis
Pineoblastoma can be detected using the following tests and procedures:
- Imaging tests. The location and size of the brain tumor can be determined through imaging studies. Brain cancers are frequently identified with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Advanced methods might also be employed. These can include magnetic resonance spectroscopy and perfusion MRI.
Computerized Tomography (CT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans could be used as additional tests. - Biopsy. Removing a sample of tissue for testing is done through a biopsy. Before surgery, it may be accomplished with a needle. Another option is to remove the sample during surgery. A laboratory analyzes the tissue sample. The types of cells and their rate of growth are identified in this way.
- Lumbar puncture. The fluid around the brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid) can be sampled using a lumbar puncture. Another name for this process is a spinal tap. In the lower spine, the medical professional places a needle between two bones. The cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord is collected using a needle. To detect pineoblastoma cells, the fluid is examined. During a biopsy to remove brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid could also be gathered.
Treatment
Pineoblastoma treatment options include:
- Surgery to relieve fluid buildup in the brain. A pineoblastoma may be large enough to obstruct the flow of CSF and exerts pressure on the brain. The fluid may be redirected during surgery through a drain or tube. The pressure is reduced as a result. A biopsy or surgery to remove the pineoblastoma may also be performed concurrently with this technique.
- Surgery to remove the pineoblastoma. The goal of a neurosurgeon, commonly known as a brain surgeon, is to remove as much of the pineoblastoma as is practical. Sometimes the cancer cannot be completely eliminated. This is due to the tumor develops close to significant structures deep inside the brain. After surgery, additional therapies are frequently required. The surviving cells are the focus of these treatments.
- Radiation therapy. High-energy beams are used in radiation therapy to eliminate cancer cells. These beams may originate from protons, X-rays, or other sources. A device distributes beams to the brain and spinal cord during radiation therapy. The cancer cells are exposed to more radiation.
The spinal cord and the entire brain are frequently exposed to radiation. This is due to the possibility of cancer cells spreading from the brain to other central nervous system regions. Adults and children over the age of three are frequently advised to receive this treatment.
- Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy kills cancer cells by administering potent medications. Typically, chemotherapy is applied following surgery or radiation treatment. It is occasionally used along with radiation therapy. Chemotherapy could be given first before surgery for pineoblastomas that are bigger. The cancer may become smaller as a result, making removal simpler.
- Radiosurgery. To eliminate cancer cells, stereotactic radiosurgery directs several radiation beams at precise locations. When pineoblastoma returns after treatment, radiosurgery may be used to treat it.
