Question
A 6-year-old boy is experiencing early voice changes and penile erections, as well as facial hair growth. The adrenal CT scan shows no abnormalities, but the pituitary MRI enhancement suggests a pineal gland lesion. Does this mean there is a pathological change, and is the tumor benign or malignant? How should it be handled?
Answer
The occurrence of early sexual changes and penile erections in children is not a normal phenomenon. The examination found a pineal gland lesion in the brain, which may be a tumor, but its nature is still uncertain. It is recommended to undergo surgical treatment at a children’s hospital or a general hospital’s neurosurgery department, and the postoperative pathological examination results will determine the treatment plan. If it is a benign tumor, the treatment outcome is relatively good; if it is a malignant tumor, the prognosis is relatively poor.