Craniopharyngioma is a tumor that develops near a small endocrine gland known as the pituitary gland which is located at the base of the brain. This is a benign type of tumor that commonly affects children between the ages of 5 and 10 years old. It can however develop in older individuals as well.This disease does not affect one sex more than another.
Craniopharyngiomas will affect the body most commonly in these three ways. It causes an increased pressure on the brain (intracranial pressure). It will also disturb the function of the pituitary gland, and it will cause damage to the optic nerve. With the increase of brain pressure patients can expect to experience nausea, vomiting (most commonly in the morning), headaches, and problems with balance. Disturbances in the function of the pituitary gland can cause hormone imbalances which can lead to diabetes insipidus. This presents itself by excessive thirst and urination. Pituitary gland problems can also lead to stunted growth. If the optic nerve is disturbed it will cause vision problems. At the time of diagnosis it is very common for patients to have some form of vision disturbances and a drop in hormone production. Disturbances in vision may be permanent and may worsen if surgery is performed to remove the tumor.
Diagnosis of this type of tumor can be obtained by using a CT or MRI scan of the brain. In the past the treatment for these tumors has been to have them surgically removed. In some patients this may not be the best choice. In these cases radiation treatment will be utilized. In the cases where surgery could not completely remove the tumor radiation therapy will be required.
I n most cases if the tumor can be completely removed or if high doses of radiation are given the prognosis is very good with most patients having an 80-90% chance for a complete cure. The prognosis will vary on a patient by patient basis depending on the severity of their individual symptoms. In most cases the vision problems and hormonal imbalances will not be resolved with the treatment and can become worse because of the treatment.
Some complications associated with the treatment of craniopharyngioma are that a very large percentage of patients will have continuing visual, hormonal and neurological problems. In the cases where the tumor couldn’t be completely removed it is common for the tumor to return.
The image I chose is of a gadolinium enhanced T-1 weighted MRI image of a craniopharyngioma in a 23 year old female.
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