Pineal Tumors

Pineal tumors are a rare and heterogeneous group of primary central nervous system neoplasms, including pineal parenchymal tumors (pineocytomas, pineal parenchymal tumors of intermediate differentiation, and pineoblastomas), germ cell tumors, and neuroepithelial tumors, such as astrocytomas, ependymomas, and papillary tumor of the pineal region. Their classification has evolved over time, with several updates incorporated into the most recent World Health Organization classification, published in 2007. This review highlights the most recent classification and grading scheme for pineal parenchymal tumors and discusses the newly recognized papillary tumor of the pineal region, including clinicopathologic features, differential diagnosis, and management options.