Craniopharyngioma

(T1 wt coronal-enhanced MRI)

Craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngioma can be diagnosed at any age, however it is usually found in children and young adults. This type of brain tumor derives from pituitary gland embryonic tissue called Rathke's pouch. The Rathke's pouch begins in the throat area and moves upward to the brain where the tumor develops from the remnants of Rathke's pouch. Craniopharyngiomas are also known as Rathke's pouch tumors, adamantinomas, or hypophyseal duct tumors.

Because Craniopharyngiomas are almost invariably benign, the tumors are not detected until they becomes rather large which then causes symptoms as they start to apply pressure to other parts of the brain surrounding them. Craniopharyngiomas can range from one, to more than four inches in diameter. The symptoms presented by this brain tumor vary depending on where it is and what part of the brain it is pressing on. If it includes the hypothalamus, a person may have drowsiness, weight gain, mood changes and depression, or problems with temperature control. Loss of peripheral vision can occur when pressure is applied on the nerves that regulate vision. If the pituitary stalk or pituitary gland is compressed it can halt production of part of the pituitary hormones causes symptoms such as fatigue, dry skin, unexplained weight gain, irregular periods, delayed puberty, etc.

There are several test that are done to assess whether or not a person has craniopharyngioma. A blood test is performed to check hormone level along with a complete Pituitary Function test to gauge all the major pituitary hormones and a Visual field test to check if there is any compression of the nerves managing vision. An MRI is used to see the size of the tumor and where the pressure is being applied on the brain. Craniopharyngiomas consist of fluid and sometimes calcium which gives it a distinct look. When scanned, this brain tumors unusual appearance helps differentiate it from other pituitary tumors.

If suspected, craniopharyngioma can be treated largely by surgery, however, even with surgery the tumor may not be able to be entirely removed. Sometimes the tumor will have to be treated with radiation combined with surgery to help destroy it.