Newly Diagnosed

About craniopharyngiomas

Childhood craniopharyngiomas are rare, benign brain tumors. They are usually found near the pituitary gland (a pea-sized organ at the bottom of the brain that controls other glands) and the hypothalamus (a small organ connected to the pituitary gland by nerves). Both the hypothalamus and pituitary gland play important roles in regulation of hormones that control how someone grows, signaling changes in the body’s environment such as letting someone know they’re full or hungry, and someone’s mood.

These pediatric brain tumors are usually part solid mass and part fluid-filled cyst. They do not spread to other parts of the brain or body. However, they may grow and press on nearby tissue, including the pituitary gland, the optic chiasm, optic nerves, and ventricles (fluid-filled spaces in the brain).

Craniopharyngiomas may affect important functions of the brain, including making hormones, growth, and vision.  The treatment of these tumors balances controlling the tumor while avoiding damage to the brain, hormone or vision functions because the tumor is located near the pituitary gland and the optic nerves.  Best results are achieved with a gross total surgical resection. Complete removal of the tumor (gross total surgical resection) will have the best result.  If the surgery does not completely remove it or the tumor comes back, radiation therapy is recommended.