Cecilia Fernández-Mateos1, Roberto Martinez2, Jesús Vaquero3. 1. Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain. Electronic address: valdelagua@hotmail.com. 2. Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Unit, Hospital Ruber Internacional, Madrid, Spain. 3. Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Tumors of the pineal region are rare in adulthood, accounting for approximately 1% of intracranial neoplasms in this age range. Because of their rarity, it has proven to be difficult to establish the optimal therapy. Furthermore, microsurgical total resection in this eloquent location is associated with not low rates of morbidity. CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe 2 patients diagnosed with papillary tumors of the pineal region by stereotactic biopsy and referred for Gamma Knife radiosurgery after shunting for hydrocephalus. We report a long-term follow-up of 15 and 20 years, respectively, showing a good response to the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: After a diagnosis of papillary tumors of the pineal region, radiosurgery is an alternative treatment, with high local control and low morbidity.
BACKGROUND: Tumors of the pineal region are rare in adulthood, accounting for approximately 1% of intracranial neoplasms in this age range. Because of their rarity, it has proven to be difficult to establish the optimal therapy. Furthermore, microsurgical total resection in this eloquent location is associated with not low rates of morbidity. CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe 2 patients diagnosed with papillary tumors of the pineal region by stereotactic biopsy and referred for Gamma Knife radiosurgery after shunting for hydrocephalus. We report a long-term follow-up of 15 and 20 years, respectively, showing a good response to the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: After a diagnosis of papillary tumors of the pineal region, radiosurgery is an alternative treatment, with high local control and low morbidity.