What is a craniopharyngioma?
Craniopharyngioma For whom is this information intended? The information contained in this document is intended for use primarily by parents, other members of the family and older children with visual impairment. The information will also be of use to interested health professionals, carers and teachers.
Craniopharyngioma is a benign* brain tumor that accounts for about 3-9% of all pediatric CNS cancers. This tumor results from abnormal overgrowth of a part of the brain called Rathke’s pouch, located near the pituitary gland. It typically consists of a combination of calcium deposits mixed with cysts, or pockets, of fluid. The fluid characteristically contains protein, lipid (fat) and cholesterol pieces, giving it a so-called “crankcase oil” texture. *Before proceeding any further, it is worthwhile to properly define and clarify some important concepts that are relevant to the subject of brain tumors. The word tumor itself refers to an abnormal growth or mass of cells, also referred to in general terms as a “cancer”. Tumors (cancers) can be either “benign” or “malignant”, depending on how “bad” the tumor cells look under a microscope. In simple terms, “benign” tumor cells have a sort of “innocent” appearance under the microscope; they usually do not have features associated with invasi
A craniopharyngioma is a tumor of the brain that commonly affects children. It grows in the area of the pituitary gland and the nerves that relay vision from the eyes to the brain (optic nerves), and frequently grows up into the base of the brain. The tumors arise from cells that in the developing embryo had helped to form the normal pituitary gland. For reasons that are not understood, these cells begin to grow on their own, producing masses that often contain both solid tissue and fluid. In children, portions of the tumor frequently have calcium deposits. The fluid (“cystic”) portions of the tumors can reach very large size, and occasionally extend into both sides of the brain.
