Craniopharyngioma

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This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Content is sourced from third parties, and we do not guarantee accuracy or accept any liability for its use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical guidance.

What is Craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngioma is a rare, benign (WHO grade I) but locally invasive brain tumor arising from Rathke’s pouch remnants, located near the pituitary gland and optic chiasm. It has adamantinomatous (common in children, cystic with calcifications) and papillary (adults, solid) subtypes. In 2025, ~350-400 US cases annually, bimodal age (5-14 and 50-74), causing hormonal and visual issues due to location.

Symptoms

Symptoms include headaches (from increased pressure), visual disturbances (bitemporal hemianopsia from optic chiasm compression), endocrine deficiencies (growth failure in children, diabetes insipidus, hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency), fatigue, weight gain, and cognitive changes. Cystic tumors may cause sudden worsening. In 2025, symptoms lead to prompt imaging.

Causes

Causes are embryonic, from malformed Rathke’s pouch. Genetic mutations (CTNNB1 in adamantinomatous, BRAF V600E in papillary) drive growth. No strong environmental links, but familial cases are rare. In 2025, BRAF mutations enable targeted therapy.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis uses MRI/CT showing suprasellar mass with cysts/calcifications, endocrine tests for hormone levels, visual field testing, and biopsy for confirmation. In 2025, AI imaging differentiates from other pituitary tumors.

Treatment

Surgery (transsphenoidal or craniotomy) aims for total removal, but proximity to vital structures often leaves residue, requiring radiation (proton therapy reduces side effects). Hormone replacement manages endocrine deficits. Targeted therapies (BRAF/MEK inhibitors for papillary) achieve 80% response. In 2025, endoscopic surgery minimizes morbidity.

Future Outlook

In 2025, recurrence is 20-50%, with 90% 5-year survival but high morbidity (endocrine 80%, visual 30%). Targeted therapies improve recurrence-free survival to 70%. By 2030, BRAF inhibitors and immunotherapy could reduce recurrence to 20%, improving quality of life.

Sources

The information for craniopharyngioma is drawn from OncoDaily’s “Craniopharyngioma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and 2025 Advances” for overview; PMC’s “Advances in the Management of Craniopharyngioma” for 2025 management; NORD’s “Craniopharyngioma – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment” for causes; Chordoma Foundation’s “Modern treatment of craniopharyngioma to improve outcomes” for treatment; PMC’s “Craniopharyngioma: A comprehensive review” for review; Cleveland Clinic’s “Craniopharyngioma: Definition, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment” for symptoms; YouTube’s “Craniopharyngioma: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment” for diagnosis; NCI’s “Changing Care for Craniopharyngioma” for care changes; Max Healthcare’s “Best Craniopharyngioma Treatment” for treatment; PMC’s “Current clinical trials for craniopharyngiomas” for trials.