Tumors of the pineal region in children and adolescents.

The treatment of tumors in the pineal area remains controversial. There are two main approaches: Conservative treatment, consisting in CSF shunting and radiotherapy, and direct surgical removal. We report on 25 children (22 boys and 3 girls) aged between 4 and 20 years who underwent conservative treatment. The follow-up period ranges from 1 to 11 years (mean, 4.8 years). 19 patients are still alive at a mean survival time of 5.8 years. 17 children are free of disease, two have severe neurological deficits. Our diagnostic and therapeutical concepts are presented.