Background: The papillary tumor of the pineal region (PTPR) is a distinct clinicopathologic entity, the exact biological behavior of which is not known.
Finding: In the present report we describe 3 additional cases of PTPR because of its rarity. During a study period of 4 years (between January 2003 and December 2006), we diagnosed three cases of papillary tumor of the pineal region (PTPR). Clinico-radio-pathologic examination was done and follow-up was assessed. Microscopically, all 3 cases showed uniform morphology and consisted of papillary and solid areas. Immunohistochemistry showed strong and diffuse positivity for synaptophysin, NSE, chromogranin A, S-100 protein, MAP-2 and cytokeratin.
Conclusion: PTPR is a distinct entity and needs to be differentiated from other tumors of the pineal region as the biological behavior of this tumor is not fully understood. Radiologically this tumor can sometimes be misdiagnosed as tectal glioma.