A Craniopharyngioma is a rare, harmless tumor that forms from the remains of Rathke’s pouch, an embryonic structure that helps the pituitary gland grow. Most of these tumours show up in the sellar area, near the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus at the base of the skull. Even though they are considered harmless, their proximity to important brain regions often causes big problems.
Types of Craniopharyngioma
There are two main types of Craniopharyngioma:
Adamantinomatous Craniopharyngioma
Kids and young adults are more likely to have this type. The solid and cystic parts of it are what make it unique, and it can act aggressively, spreading locally and coming back after treatment.
Papillary Craniopharyngioma
This type is less common and mostly affects adults. Papillary craniopharyngiomas are usually smaller and less aggressive than their adamantinomatous peers.
Symptoms
The way a Craniopharyngioma shows up in the body depends a lot on its size and location. Some common signs are
Endocrine Dysfunction
Because the tumour affects the pituitary gland, patients may have hormonal problems that cause them to lack growth hormone, have adrenal insufficiency, or experience changes in their sexual development.
Visual Disturbances
Some people may have trouble seeing because of pressure on the optic chiasm. They may have fuzzy vision or lose their peripheral vision.
Headaches
These happen frequently and are usually caused by nearby tumours or cysts, raising pressure inside the skull.
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus can occur when the routes for cerebrospinal fluid become blocked. Symptoms include feeling sick, throwing up, and having trouble focusing.
Behavioral Changes
The hypothalamus tumour can sometimes change a person’s hunger, make it hard to sleep, or cause other behavioural problems.
Diagnosis
A Craniopharyngioma is usually found through a combination of a clinical exam, imaging studies, and hormonal tests. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the best way to see the tumour because it gives clear pictures of the brain’s structures and any cystic growths nearby. A type of scan called computed tomography (CT) may also be used. Hormonal tests can help find any problems with the endocrine system caused by the tumour.
Treatment
Neurosurgeons, endocrinologists, and radiation oncologists are often part of a mixed team that treats craniopharyngioma. These are the main treatment options:
Surgical Resection
Often, surgery to remove the tumour is the first step in treatment. The goal is to get rid of as much of the tumour as possible while hurting the nearby structures as little as possible. Because of where the tumour is located and the chance of breaking the pituitary gland or brain, complete resection can be hard to do.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy may be used when full resection is not possible or when the tumour comes back. Stereotactic radiosurgery is a popular way to precisely target the tumour while causing as little damage as possible to nearby tissues.
Hormonal Replacement Therapy
After treatment, a lot of people may need hormone replacement therapy for the rest of their lives to deal with endocrine problems caused by the tumour or the treatment.
Conclusion
Even though a Craniopharyngioma is harmless, it can be hard to deal with because of its location and how it affects close structures. With an early identification and thorough treatment plan, the disease can be effectively managed. However, patients often need ongoing care to deal with the long-term effects of the tumour and its treatment. For people with this condition to have better outcomes, more studies need to be done, and treatment methods need to be improved.