Pineal Tumors
Pineal tumors are growths that happen in or near the pineal gland, a small part of the brain. The pineal gland is deep inside the brain and helps control sleep by making a chemical called melatonin, which tells your body when it’s time to sleep or wake up.
Pineal tumors can happen in both kids and adults. Some are not cancer (benign) and some are cancer (malignant). Because the pineal gland is so deep in the brain, even a small tumor can cause problems.
Signs of a Pineal Tumor Can Include:
- Headaches that don’t go away
- Trouble with balance or walking
- Nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting
- Trouble moving the eyes or blurry vision
- Feeling sleepy all the time
- Trouble with memory or confusion
How Do Doctors Find Pineal Tumors?
Doctors use special scans like an MRI or CT scan to look at the brain. Sometimes they do a biopsy to test the tumor and learn more about it.
How Are Pineal Tumors Treated?
Treatment depends on the size and type of tumor. It may include:
- Surgery to remove the tumor (if possible)
- Radiation therapy to kill tumor cells
- Chemotherapy (strong medicine) — sometimes used, especially in children
Additional resources can be found below.
SaveGeneral Cancer Programs
PEN created these programs to help explain parts of the cancer journey.
Debunks myths about clinical trials and provides patients with knowledge and confidence to feel well-informed when discussing treatment options with their healthcare team
Topics:
- The Basics: Understanding Clinical Trial Research
- Understanding Common Misconceptions
- Clinical Trial Safety
- Clinical Trials 101 Resource Guides
As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes oncology, DECODE empowers cancer patients and families with clear, practical insights into AI and other emerging healthcare technologies, breaking down how these innovations are transforming cancer care and helping them navigate AI-driven advancements with confidence.
Components:
- Podcasts
- Downloadable Resource Guides
Provides digital literacy skills training with a series of easy-to-follow video modules, coupled with resource guides to educate you on technology and online support tools.
Helps women living with cancer understand the impact on their overall health, including fertility, hormones and sexual wellbeing while enabling informed conversations with their healthcare team about potential options and support.
Information on completing cancer care with actionable steps to engage in key discussions and plan for life after treatment.
Topics:
- Understanding Survivorship
- Advice for Future and Follow-Up Care
Having cancer or caring for someone with cancer can feel really lonely and extremely isolating. We created PEN-Powered Activity Guides to help you cope, relax, and, hopefully, feel a little less overwhelmed.
Focuses on wellness during cancer treatment and post cancer treatment.
Topics:
- Lifestyle
- Diet and Healthy Eating
- Supportive Care
Advocacy program focusing on culturally competent whole-person healthcare, treating the whole-patient in tandem with existing care.
What You Need to Know Before Choosing a Cancer Treatment
Advocacy program focusing on culturally competent whole-person healthcare, treating the whole-patient in tandem with existing care.
External Resources
Organizations for Brain and Central Nervous System Cancer
Cancer Information and Support
Looking for more information?
Sign up to receive the latest news, programs and events delivered to your inbox. Let us know what your interests are so we can provide only the most relevant information for you.