title: Preoperative evaluation of pineal tumors.
abstract: The role of the neurosurgeon is critical for initiating preoperative evaluation and care for pineal region tumors. Preoperative evaluation of pineal region tumor can be simplified into a checklist: (1) evaluation for emergent surgical intervention due to symptomatic obstructive hydrocephalus or mass effect; (2) development of a focused differential after acquisition of craniospinal MRI, serum and cerebrospinal fluid oncoprotein levels, and cerebrospinal fluid cytology; and (3) decision on whether a biopsy, surgical resection, or both are necessary. Subsequent biopsy or surgical resection is the first step of tumor management and leads to coordination of consultation with medical and radiation oncology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Academic Office Building, Room 5001, 12631 East, 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
authors.forename: Jonathon J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.forename: Allen
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Waziri
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D018237:Germinoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D005910:Glioma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D010871:Pinealoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends