Slow-growing, rare tumors that most commonly affect young adults. The area in the front of the brain where the optic nerves cross. Tumors that are found on or near the optic nerve. Tumors near the pineal gland, a small structure deep within the brain that produces the hormone melatonin. They can be of about 17 different types, some malignant and some benign.
Hormones are chemical messengers that control many bodily processes, such as growth and metabolism.
Secreting tumors release unusually high levels of pituitary hormones, which can result in a variety of symptoms from impotence to abnormal body growth to hyperthyroidism depending on the hormone involved. The part of the skull containing the brain stem and the cerebellum. Tumors that originate from within the brain. PNETs are usually very malignant, growing rapidly and spreading easily within the brain and spinal cord. The half of the cerebrum that processes visual information.