What is a Adamantinomatous Craniopharyngioma?

Adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas are WHO grade 1 tumors of the pituitary region typically presenting as cystic masses with peripheral calcifications in children. They are a distinct entity from the far less common papillary craniopharyngioma found in adults 1,4.

What is Adamantinomatous?

Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma is a histologically benign, partially cystic epithelial neoplasm of the suprasellar or sellar region, resembling ameloblastoma or keratinizing and calcifying odontogenic cyst.

What is a papillary craniopharyngioma?

Papillary craniopharyngiomas are WHO grade 1 tumors of the pituitary region typically presenting as mostly solid masses in adults. They are an entirely separate entity from the far more common adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma that are found at all ages but particularly in children 1,2.

How fast do craniopharyngiomas grow?

As craniopharyngiomas are in general slowly growing, symptoms may develop gradually – a circumstance which may contribute to the reported delay of 1–2 years between symptom onset and diagnosis (Garnett et al., 2007).

Is craniopharyngioma life threatening?

Many experts consider craniopharyngiomas to be a chronic disease, as they tend to recur even when they have been completely removed (resected) surgically. The tumor itself is usually not dangerous, as it is benign and only very rarely becomes malignant.

Can craniopharyngioma cause hydrocephalus?

Craniopharyngioma with hydrocephalus Many of the symptoms of craniopharyngioma are due to increased intracranial pressure. As the tumor grows, it may block the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid. This causes a build-up of fluid within the brain known as hydrocephalus.

What is a cystic craniopharyngioma?

Craniopharyngiomas are benign tumors that grow near the pituitary gland. They can develop as solid tumors or cysts (hollow sacs filled with fluid).

What is Suprasellar region?

The sellar region is a tiny anatomic compartment in which many lesions and developmental diseases can be found. The area immediately around the pituitary, the sellar region and parasellar region, is an anatomically complex area that represents a crucial crossroads for important adjacent structures.

What is a craniopharyngiomas?

(KRAY-nee-oh-fuh-RIN-jee-OH-muh) A rare, benign (not cancer) brain tumor that usually forms near the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. Craniopharyngiomas are slow-growing and do not spread to other parts of the brain or to other parts of the body.