Craniopharyngioma

Abstract

Craniopharyngiomas are benign tumors of the parasellar region. These tumors may be cystic, solid, or combinations of the two. They have a bimodal age distribution and no apparent gender predilection. Patients may present with endocrinopathy or symptoms related to mass effect from the growing tumor. Patients require a multidisciplinary approach during their diagnostic evaluation and subsequent to initiating therapy. Endocrinopathy should be recognized and treated with appropriate hormonal replacement. Surgery is the first-line therapy for most patients. The specific surgical approach must be tailored to the specific clinical situation and depends on the patient age, endocrine status, and the geometry and consistency of the tumor. Whereas most solid tumors will require craniotomy or transsphenoidal surgery, some cystic tumors may be adequately managed with intracavitary therapies. Subtotally resected or residual tumors often require adjuvant radiation therapy or radiosurgery. Long-term multidisciplinary follow-up is necessary for all patients.