Craniopharyngioma

What is a craniopharyngioma?

A craniopharyngioma is a benign tumor in that it does not transform into malignant cancer, but because it is difficult if not impossible to remove and continues to grow in spite of most x-ray treatments its behavior is "malignant" even though it does not metastasize.

Who is most likely to have a craniopharyngioma?

2.5- 4% of all brain tumors are craniopharyngiomas. 50% of craniopharyngiomas occur in the pediatric age group with a peak incidence in children between 5 and 10 years old.

What is the treatment?

The treatment for craniopharyngioma is surgery which can include an attempt to remove part, but rarely all of the tumor, VP shunting may be necessary to preserve the patency of the CSF circulation pathways. Radiation therapy can be administered to the brain or by implants placed directly into the cyst.