Pediatric craniopharyngioma

Abstract

Background: Craniopharyngioma has historically been recognized to be a formidable pathology primarily due to its proximity to critical neurovascular structures and the challenging surgical corridors that surgeons have tried to reach this lesion.

Focus of review: In this work, we review the medical and surgical management of these tumors with a focus on clinical presentation, diagnostic identification, surgical approach, and associated adjuvant therapies. We will also discuss our current treatment paradigm using endoscopic, open, and combined approaches to craniopharyngiomas. The management of craniopharyngiomas requires a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, endocrinologists, and neuroanesthesiologists as well as neurocritical care specialists to deliver the most comprehensive and safest surgical resection with minimal postoperative morbidity.

Keywords: Craniopharyngioma; Endonasal; Pediatric; Skull base.