Craniopharyngioma
Craniopharyngioma are benign tumours that arise from a malformation of remaining tissue in the area of the pituitary gland. The malformation already develops embryonic, whereby causes are not known yet.
Histology of Craniopharyngeoma
- adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (90% of all craniopharyngioma)
- papillary craniopharyngioma
Epidemiologye of Craniopharyngeoma
- first peak age between 5 and 10
- second peak age between 50 and 75
Symptoms of Craniopharyngeoma
- partial or total hypopituitarism (e.g. avolition and fatigue)
- signs of intracranial pressure (headache, emesis, vomiting)
- disturbed vision and restriction of visual field
- developmental delays
- deterioration in performance
Diagnosing Craniopharyngeoma
- CT or MRI with contrast agent
- endocrinological examination
Therapy of Craniopharyngeoma
- no standard therapy
- often surgical removal
- possibly irradiation of residual tumour
- only biopsy in connection with radiotherapy haven´t gained acceptance
Therapy of Recurrent Craniopharyngeoma
- if possible (re-)operation
- (second) irradiation
Aftercare of Craniopharyngeoma
- in first year every six months
- once a year if findings are inconspicuous
- regular hormon examinations
Course of Craniopharyngeoma
- high propensity for recurrence if tumour has infiltrated surrounding tissue
- even after subsequent irradiation new relapses without any treatment options can occur
Prognosis of Craniopharyngeoma
- depending on extent of surgery
- small tumours that can be removed transnasally have a good prognosis
