Craniopharyngioma Causes, Symptoms, Diagnoses And Treatment

What Is Craniopharyngioma?

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.

Cause Of Craniopharyngioma:

There is no definite cause of Craniopharyngioma. It can occur in both children and adults, with a peak in incidence at 9 to 14 years of age.

Roughly, more than 50% of all patients with craniopharyngioma are under the age of 18 years. There is no clear association of the tumor with a particular gender or race. They don’t appear to be genetic or inherited.

Symptoms Of Craniopharyngioma:

Craniopharyngioma causes symptoms by:

Increasing pressure on the brain, usually from hydrocephalus
Disrupting hormone production by the pituitary gland
Decreasing vision due to pressure or damage to the optic nerve
Vomiting, nausea and difficulty with balance
Behavioral and learning problems

Diagnosis Of Craniopharyngioma:

The following tests and exams help in diagnosis:

Blood tests to measure hormone levels
CT scan or MRI scan of the brain
Neurological examination

Treatment Of Craniopharyngioma:

Traditionally, surgery has been the main treatment for craniopharyngioma. However, radiation treatment instead of surgery or along with a smaller surgery may be the best choice for some patients.
In tumors that cannot be removed completely with surgery alone, radiation therapy is usually necessary. If the tumor has a classic appearance on CT scan, a biopsy may not be necessary if treatment with radiation alone is planned.

Stereotactic radio surgery is performed at some medical centers.

By : Natural Health News