INFORMATION ON CRAINOPHARYNGIOMA

Craniopharyngioma is a type of tumor that comprises 9% of all pediatric brain tumors and usually occur in children between 5 and 10 years of age. They are very slow growing tumors. They develop near the pituitary gland.

CAUSES OF CRAINOPHARYNGIOMA
Craniopharyngioma are thought to develop from cells just above the pituitary gland that gradually replicate and enlarge.

SYMPTOMS OF CRAINOPHARYNGIOMA

Symptoms of Craniopharyngioma include
1. Headache
2. Nausea
3. Vomiting
4. Stunted growth
5. Vision problems
6. Excessive urine and constant thirst

DIAGNOSIS OF CRAINOPHARYNGIOMA

1. Diagnostics for brain tumors include magnet resonance imaging (MRI), CT scan of the brain, and positron emission tomography (PET).
2. A thorough neurological examination
3. Endocrine hormone evaluations to look for any imbalances

TREATMENT OF CRAINOPHARYNGIOMA

Surgery has been the main treatment for Craniopharyngioma. However, radiotherapy may also be the best choice for some patients. If a tumor is very large, radiation and chemotherapy may be used to reduce the size of the brain tumor, in preparation for a follow up surgery.