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Pineal Parenchymal Tumors (PPTs) of Intermediate Differentiation

These tumors, most commonly found in children, grow in the pineal region of the brain where melatonin is created—the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. They are rare and less predictable than other pineal region tumors, ranging from benign growths with clearly defined boundaries to malignant masses with undefined boundaries that enable the cancer to metastasize throughout the cerebrospinal fluid. Tumors that are well- or intermediately-defined are most responsive to treatment. Symptoms of pineal parenchymal tumors (PPTs) include headaches, vomiting and vision problems. These tumors are most common in children.

Best in Care

The AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute is a state-of-the-art facility for adults and children affected by PPTs. Rare cancers, such as this, present unique challenges that our highly skilled neurologists and neurosurgeons address with sophisticated new treatments. We were one of the first in Florida to treat brain tumors using minimally invasive surgeries that allow access to difficult-to-reach areas of the brain. These sophisticated approaches preserve more healthy tissue, and when tumors are close to areas of the brain that control essential body functions, the millimeter-accuracy of these techniques is critical. Recovery is also quicker with minimally invasive surgeries, because no incision is made.