Can pineal gland tumors cause precocious puberty?

Generally, pineal gland tumors can cause precocious puberty. The specific analysis is as follows:

A pineal gland tumor refers to a tumor occurring in the pineal region. Teratomas and germinomas within the tumor may secrete human chorionic gonadotropin or other related hormones, which can stimulate the secretion of gonadotropins, leading to precocious puberty. As the tumor tissue enlarges, it may compress the hypothalamus, affecting the hypothalamus' regulatory function on sex hormone secretion, which may also trigger precocious puberty.

Once a pineal gland tumor forms, it may destroy the pineal gland, causing it to lose its inhibitory effect on the pituitary gland's secretion of gonadotropins. After losing this inhibition, the pituitary gland may excessively secrete gonadotropins, resulting in precocious puberty. Boys may experience symptoms such as voice changes, rapid muscle growth, and increased pubic hair; girls may also show signs of early breast development and premature menarche.

For patients suspected of having a pineal gland tumor, doctors may perform a series of examinations for diagnosis, including imaging tests such as CT and MRI, as well as cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Once diagnosed, treatment options may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, etc., with the specific plan tailored to the individual patient's condition.