Craniopharyngioma


A benign tumor that develops near the pituitary gland is a craniopharyngioma. The pituitary gland is a small endocrine gland at the base of the brain. Craniopharyngioma is a benign, slow growing tumor that predominantly involves the sella and suprasella space. These craniopharyngiomas behave like malignant tumors. They can metastasis, and patients can have severe symptoms that usually require surgery. Craniopharyngioma causes symptoms in three different ways: by increasing the pressure on the brain, disrupting the function of the pituitary gland, and by damaging the optic nerve. Increasing pressure on the brain may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty with balance. Hormone imbalance that can lead to excessive thirst and urination is caused when the pituitary gland is damaged. Surgery is normally the main treatment for craniopharyngioma. However, radiation treatment instead of surgery may be the best choice for some patients. Both CT and MRI scans are used in diagnosing craniopharyngioma.