A 39-year-old member asked:
What happens if the pineal gland is removed?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. William Bettsanswered
35 years experience
Pinealectomy: The pineal gland may be removed and a person can do just fine. There are complications with this procedure including visual changes and weakness. These often resolve but can be permanent. Pinealectomies are not common.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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A 45-year-old member asked:
What does the pineal gland do? Why might it need to be removed?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Philip Kernanswered
Endocrinology 45 years experience
Pineal function: The pineal gland makes melatonin. Although the exact function and significance is not fully know, it probably plays a role in circadian rhythm (sleep) and may be involved in reproductive function. It is common for the pineal to calcify, and then is shows up on xrays/scans. The calcification is not a problem. Tumors can form in the pineal, but they are rare (that would be a reason to remove).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
What could happen if a small cyst develops in the pineal gland?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Bennett Machanicanswered
Neurology 54 years experience
Usually benign: Pineal cysts are not uncommon, and the vast majority just sit there and cause NO problems. Would check periodic MRI's to reassure, but it would be very unusual if the average cyst caused any mass effect to brain.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 24, 2017
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