title: Stereotactic biopsy considerations for pineal tumors.
abstract: Pineal region tumors represent 0.4% to 1.0% of intracranial tumors in American literature. Obtaining a tissue diagnosis is the cornerstone of the rational management of pineal lesions. The initial surgical decision involves choosing between a stereotactic biopsy and open microsurgical procedures. Open resection facilitates the maximal removal of tumor volume and has diagnostic accuracy and improved prognosis. Stereotactic biopsy is less invasive and has a lower risk of complications. A review of all major series reporting stereotactic biopsy for pineal region lesions reveals a mean diagnostic yield of 94%, with a morbidity of 1.3% and a mortality of 8.1%.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University, 710 West 168th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10032, USA. bez2103@columbia.edu
authors.forename: Brad E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Zacharia
authors.forename: Jeffrey N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Bruce
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D010871:Pinealoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000592:standards*