Craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngioma is a type of tumor that comprises 9% of all pediatric brain tumors.^{[citation needed]} They usually occur in children between 5 and 10 years of age.^[1]

It has a point prevalence of approximately 2/100,000.^[2]

They are also known as Rathke pouch tumors, hypophyseal duct tumors, or adamantinomas.

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Presentation

They are very slow growing tumors. They arise from the cells along the pituitary stalk. They are classified as benign.^[3]

Craniopharyngioma is a rare, usually suprasellar^[4] neoplasm, which may be cystic, that develops from the nests of epithelium derived from Rathke's pouch.

Histology

The histologic pattern consists of nesting of squamous epithelium bordered by radially arranged cells. It is frequently accompanied by calcium deposition and have a microscopic papillary architecture.

Possible symptoms

• Anorexia
• Balance disorder
• Dry skin
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache (obstructive hydrocephalus)
• Lethargy
• Myxedema
• Nausea
• Short stature
• Polydipsia
• Polyuria (diabetes insipidus)
• Vision loss (bitemporal hemianopsia)
• Vomiting
• Weight gain
• amenorrhea

References