Can craniopharyngioma recur?
Although histologically benign, craniopharyngioma can regrow either from macroscopic remnants of the tumour left behind at operation, or even after an apparently gross total removal.
What is the treatment for craniopharyngioma?
Treatment for craniopharyngioma varies and may involve surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy , chemotherapy , biologic therapy, and/or hormone therapy to replace various hormones no longer produced or secreted due to the tumor or its treatment.
Is there a cure for craniopharyngioma?
Surgery. Surgery is the most common treatment for craniopharyngioma. A neurosurgeon is a doctor who specializes in removing brain tumors, including craniopharyngioma. The goal of surgery is to confirm the diagnosis and remove as much tumor as possible.
What causes a craniopharyngioma tumor?
Embryonic cells (early fetal cells) from abnormal development of the craniopharyngeal duct or anterior pituitary gland may give rise to a craniopharyngioma. These tumors are closely related to another cystic mass occasionally seen in the pituitary called Rathkes cleft cyst.
Is a craniopharyngioma a brain tumor?
Craniopharyngioma is a rare type of noncancerous (benign) brain tumor. Craniopharyngioma begins near the brain’s pituitary gland, which secretes hormones that control many body functions. As a craniopharyngioma slowly grows, it can affect the function of the pituitary gland and other nearby structures in the brain.
How fast does craniopharyngioma grow?
As craniopharyngiomas are in general slowly growing, symptoms may develop gradually – a circumstance which may contribute to the reported delay of 1–2 years between symptom onset and diagnosis (Garnett et al., 2007).
What are the symptoms of craniopharyngioma in children?
Children and adults can experience vision changes, headaches, and hormone problems as the result of a craniopharyngioma. 1 While the tumor can be surgically resected, chemotherapy and radiation may be needed to completely remove it. The prognosis is generally good.
How old do you have to be to get craniopharyngioma?
Craniopharyngioma typically affects children between the ages of 5 and 14. Adults between the ages of 50 and 74 can develop these tumors as well. This tumor grows deep in the brain, close to the nasal passages.
How is craniopharyngioma treated before and after surgery?
Management of endocrine issues before and after surgery is an important aspect of the treatment of your craniopharyngioma as well. There are several surgical approaches used to remove craniopharyngioma. Your doctor will select the safest and most effective approach based on the size and characteristics of your tumor.
How does a craniopharyngioma affect the thyroid gland?
A craniopharyngioma can encroach on the pituitary gland, interfering with the release of some or all of these hormones, resulting in short stature and delayed or incomplete puberty. The pituitary gland secretes thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which stimulates the thyroid gland.
