enlarged pineal gland

SFC · Guest

I've just been diagnosed with an enlarged pineal gland via an MRI. My doctor now wants me to have a contrast MRI. Everything I read says enlarged pineal glands are caused by cysts/tumor/lesion. Is this what I have to look forward to? Is it possible to have an enlarged pineal gland w/o having a tumor/cyst? Is this treated with meds or surgery? Is it life threatening? thanx

helene · Supporter Joined: 03 Mar 2006 Posts: 373

Hi! All I know that both tumors and cysts on pineal gland may be cause similar or the same symptoms from the cysts/tumor pressing down on surrounding structures, so it is hard to suspect anything until scans show the real picture.

There are cysts that are asymptomatic i.e. don’t cause any symptoms and it probably means that they are very small. You didn’t mention having any problems and symptoms. Such small cysts are left alone and monitored occasionally but large cysts that are causing negative symptoms are most commonly removed surgically. (there are three procedures).

Surgical removal of the cysts usually leads to improvement of the symptoms.

As for the tumors, there are a few kinds. Most surgeons perform biopsy before performing a surgery to remove the tumor. Tumors can be treated with chemotherapy (drugs) as well.

The only other information I managed to find is that pineal gland may be enlarged due to excessive melatonin production and that this occurs, a person may experience reduced sexual functioning. And melatonin excessive production is induced by darkness.

I hope everything goes well for you. When is your next MRI scheduled for?

Guest · Guest

I am a 26 year old male. I was recently diagnosed with an enlarged pineal gland via a MRI scan. My neuro consultant had never heard of this before in a young man. Does anybody have any advise for me? Is it serious?

enlarged pineal gland

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