Pineoblastoma

Incidence

Pineoblastoma is extremely rare.

Origin

Pineoblastoma is thought to originate from precursor cells of the pineal gland.

Macroscopic appearance and general characteristics

It is an unencapsulated tumor, often infiltrating adjacent brain structures and metastazing via the CSF. It occurs in children and young adults. They correspond histologically to Grade IV.

Microscopic appearance (images 2 - 3)

Pineoblastoma must be considered as a primitive neuroectodermal tumor similar to medulloblastoma, neuroblastoma and retinoblastoma.

It is a highly cellular neoplasm arising in the pineal gland and presenting identical histological aspect as medulloblastoma, i.e. cells with small hyperchromatic nuclei and scanty cytoplasm. Rarely Homer-Wright rosettes are seen. Areas of necrosis and a high level of proliferation are common.

Imaging features (see case reports)

Pineoblastoma can resemble pineocytoma, but can in other cases be more inhomogeneous and infiltrative (image 4).

Case report

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Pineoblastoma

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