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A craniopharyngioma is a benign tumor that develops near the pituitary gland (a small endocrine gland at the base of the brain).
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThis tumor most commonly affects children between 5 and 10 years of age; however, adults can sometimes be affected. Boys and girls are equally likely to develop this condition.
SymptomsCraniopharyngioma causes symptoms in three different ways:
- by increasing the pressure on the brain (intracranial pressure)
- by disrupting the function of the pituitary gland
- by damaging the optic nerve
Increased pressure on the brain causes headache, nausea, vomiting (especially in the morning), and difficulty with balance.
Damage to the pituitary gland causes hormone imbalances that can lead to excessive thirst and urination (Diabetes insipidus) and stunted growth. When the optic nerve is damaged by the tumor, vision problems develop. These defects are often permanent, and may be worse after surgery to remove the tumor.
Most patients have at least some visual defects and evidence of decreased hormone production at the time of diagnosis.
Signs and tests- CT scan and/or MRI scan of the brain
- A thorough neurological examination
- Endocrine hormone evaluations to look for any imbalances
Traditionally, surgery has been the main treatment for craniopharyngioma. However, radiation treatment instead of surgery may be the best choice for some patients.
In tumors that cannot be removed completely with surgery alone, radiation therapy is usually necessary. If the tumor has a classic appearance on CT scan, then even a biopsy may not be necessary, if treatment with radiation alone is planned.
This tumor is best treated at a center with experience managing craniopharyngiomas.
Expectations (prognosis)In general, the prognosis for patients with craniopharyngioma is good, with an 80-90% chance of permanent cure if the tumor can be completely removed with surgery or treated with high doses of radiation. However, the prognosis for an individual patient depends on several factors, including the ability of the tumor to be completely removed, and the neurological deficits and hormonal imbalances caused by the tumor and the treatment. Most of the problems with hormones and vision do not improve with treatment, and sometimes the treatment may even make them worse.
ComplicationsA significant percentage of patients have long-term hormonal, visual, and neurological problems following the treatment of craniopharyngioma.
In patients where the tumor is not completely removed, the condition may recur.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if there are any signs of increased intracranial pressure (headache, nausea, vomiting, imbalance), any visual changes, increased thirst and urination, or poor growth in a child.
What else can I help you with?
What are common postop difficulties of adult craniopharyngioma total resection operation?
craniopharyngioma@braintrust.org will help you find many answers, lots of discussion, but for starters: POSSIBLE problems include loss of some or all pituitary hormones, diabetes insipidus, hypothalamic damage.
Do people with craniopharyngioma have excess keratin?
well I have had craniopharyngioma (operated Feb 2006), and have noticed that my hair and my nails grow a hell of a lot faster than they did beforehand. I initially thought that it may be down to my medication (including Growth Hormone), but I have been off that for about a year now. So I'd say almost definitely yes. May I ask why you are interested by the way?
What is a Craniopharyngioma?
A craniopharyngioma is a rare type of brain tumor that forms near the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. It can affect hormone production and cause a variety of symptoms such as headaches, vision problems, and hormonal imbalances. Treatment typically involves surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone replacement therapy.
What are the symptoms of craniopharyngioma?
children and adolescents may present with neurological symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, and problems with vision. The patient may also have symptoms of double vision.
Can Ommaya reservoir works in craniopharyngiomas?
Yes I have one for my craniopharyngioma. Aspiration is so easy through It! The use of an Ommaya reservoir does depend on the position of the optic nerves in relation to the tumour and how often aspiration is required. Constant pressure and then the regular removal is not good forthe optic nerves and may cause them to deteriorate.
Hypogonadism?
DefinitionHypogonadism is when the sex glands produce little or no hormones. In men, these glands (gonads) are the testes; in women, they are the ovaries.Alternative NamesGonadal deficiencyCauses, incidence, and risk factorsThe cause of hypogonadism may be "primary" or "central." In primary hypogonadism, the ovaries or testes themselves do not function properly. Some causes of primary hypogonadism include:Certain autoimmune disordersGenetic and developmental disordersInfectionLiver and kidney diseaseRadiationSurgeryThe most common genetic disorders that cause primary hypogonadism are Turner syndrome (in women) and Klinefelter syndrome (in men).In central hypogonadism, the centers in the brain that control the gonads (hypothalamus and pituitary) do not function properly. Some causes of central hypogonadism include:BleedingGenetic problemsInfectionsNutritional deficienciesIron excess (hemochromatosis)Radiation Rapid, significant weight lossSurgeryTraumaTumorsA genetic cause of central hypogonadism that also produces an inability to smell is Kallmann syndrome (males). The most common tumors affecting the pituitary area are craniopharyngioma (in children) and prolactinoma (in adults).SymptomsIn girls, hypogonadism during childhood will result in lack of menstruation and breast development and short height. If hypogonadism occurs after puberty, symptoms include loss of menstruation, low libido, hot flashes, and loss of body hair.In boys, hypogonadism in childhood results in lack of muscle and beard development and growth problems. In men the usual complaints are sexual dysfunction, decreased beard and body hair, breast enlargement, and muscle loss.If a brain tumor is present (central hypogonadism), there may be headaches or visual loss, or symptoms of other hormonal deficiencies (such as hypothyroidism). In the case of the most common pituitary tumor, prolactinoma, there may be a milky breast discharge. People with anorexia nervosa (excessive dieting to the point of starvation) and those who undergo rapid, extreme weight loss, as seen after gastric bypass surgery, also may have central hypogonadism.Signs and testsTests may be done that check estrogen level (women) and testosterone level (men) as well as FSH leveland LH level, the pituitary hormones that stimulate the gonads. Other tests may include a thyroid level; sperm count; prolactin level (milk hormone); blood tests for anemia, chemistries, and iron; and genetic analysis.Sometimes imaging is necessary, such as a sonogram of the ovaries. If pituitary disease is suspected, an MRI or CT scan of the brain may be done.TreatmentHormone-based medicines are available for men and women. Estrogen comes in the form of a patch or pill. Testosterone can be given by using a patch, a product soaked in by the gums, a gel, or by injection.For women who have not had their uterus removed, combination treatment with estrogen and progesterone is often recommended to decrease the chances of developing endometrial cancer. In addition, low dose testosterone can be added for women with hypogonadism who have a low sex drive.In some women, injections or pills can be used to stimulated ovulation. Injections of pituitary hormone may be used to help male patients produce sperm. In others, surgery and radiation therapy may be needed.Expectations (prognosis)Many forms of hypogonadism are potentially treatable and have a good prognosis.ComplicationsIn women, hypogonadism may cause infertility. Menopause is a form of hypogonadism that occurs naturally and can cause hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and irritability as a woman's estrogen levels fall. The risk of osteoporosis and heart disease increase after menopause.Some women with hypogonadism opt to take estrogen therapy, particularly those who have early menopause (premature ovarian failure). However, there is a small but significant increase in risk for breast cancer and possibly heart disease with use of hormone therapy for treatment of menopause symptoms.In men, hypogonadism results in loss of sex drive and may cause weakness, impotence, infertility, and osteoporosis. Men normally experience some decline in testosterone as they age, but it is not as dramatic or steep as the decline in sex hormones experienced by women.Calling your health care providerConsult with your doctor if you notice loss of menstruation, breast discharge, problems getting pregnant, hot flashes (women), impotence, loss of body hair, weakness, breast enlargement (men), or problems with your sex drive. Both men and women should call their health care providers if headaches or visual problems occur.PreventionMaintain normal body weight and healthy eating habits to prevent anorexia nervosa. Other causes may not be preventable.ReferencesSigman M, Jarow JP. Male infertility. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 19.Molitch ME. Anterior pituitary. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 242.Swerdloff RS, Wang C. The testis and male sexual function. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 253.White PC. Disorders of sexual differentiation. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 252.
What types of cancer are there?
TYPES OF CANCER A TO ZAAcute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, AdultAcute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, ChildhoodAcute Myeloid Leukemia, AdultAcute Myeloid Leukemia, ChildhoodAdrenocortical CarcinomaAdrenocortical Carcinoma, ChildhoodAIDS-Related CancersAIDS-Related LymphomaAnal CancerAppendix CancerAstrocytomas, Childhood(See What Are Childhood Astrocytomas?)Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor, Childhood, Central Nervous SystemBBasal Cell Carcinoma, see Skin Cancer (Nonmelanoma)Bile Duct Cancer, ExtrahepaticBladder CancerBladder Cancer, ChildhoodBone Cancer, Osteosarcoma and Malignant Fibrous HistiocytomaBrain Stem Glioma, ChildhoodBrain Tumor, AdultBrain Tumor, Brain Stem Glioma, ChildhoodBrain Tumor, Central Nervous System Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor, ChildhoodBrain Tumor, Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumors, Childhood(See What Are Childhood Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumors?)Brain Tumor, Astrocytomas, Childhood(See What Are Childhood Astrocytomas?)Brain Tumor, Craniopharyngioma, ChildhoodBrain Tumor, Ependymoblastoma, Childhood(See What Are Childhood Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumors?)Brain Tumor, Ependymoma, ChildhoodBrain Tumor, Medulloblastoma, ChildhoodBrain Tumor, Medulloepithelioma, Childhood(See What Are Childhood Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumors?)Brain Tumor, Pineal Parenchymal Tumors of Intermediate Differentiation, Childhood(See What Are Childhood Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumors?)Brain Tumor, Supratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors and Pineoblastoma, ChildhoodBrain and Spinal Cord Tumors, Childhood (Other)Breast CancerBreast Cancer and PregnancyBreast Cancer, ChildhoodBreast Cancer, MaleBronchial Tumors, ChildhoodBurkitt LymphomaCCarcinoid Tumor, ChildhoodCarcinoid Tumor,GastrointestinalCarcinoma of Unknown PrimaryCentral Nervous System Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor, ChildhoodCentral Nervous System Embryonal Tumors, Childhood(See What Are Childhood Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumors?)Central Nervous System Lymphoma, PrimaryCervical CancerCervical Cancer, ChildhoodChildhood CancersChordoma, ChildhoodChronic Lymphocytic LeukemiaChronic Myelogenous LeukemiaChronic Myeloproliferative DisordersColon CancerColorectal Cancer, ChildhoodCraniopharyngioma, ChildhoodCutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma, see Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary SyndromeD[No Entries]EEmbryonal Tumors, Central Nervous System, Childhood(See What Are Childhood Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumors?)Endometrial CancerEpendymoblastoma, Childhood(See What Are Childhood Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumors?)Ependymoma, ChildhoodEsophageal CancerEsophageal Cancer, ChildhoodEwing Sarcoma Family of TumorsExtracranial Germ Cell Tumor, ChildhoodExtragonadal Germ Cell TumorExtrahepatic Bile Duct CancerEye Cancer, Intraocular MelanomaEye Cancer, RetinoblastomaF[No Entries]GGallbladder CancerGastric (Stomach) CancerGastric (Stomach) Cancer, ChildhoodGastrointestinal Carcinoid TumorGastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)Gastrointestinal Stromal Cell Tumor, ChildhoodGerm Cell Tumor, Extracranial, ChildhoodGerm Cell Tumor, ExtragonadalGerm Cell Tumor, OvarianGestational Trophoblastic TumorGlioma, AdultGlioma, Childhood Brain StemHHairy Cell LeukemiaHead and Neck CancerHepatocellular (Liver) Cancer, Adult (Primary)Hepatocellular (Liver) Cancer, Childhood (Primary)Histiocytosis, Langerhans CellHodgkin Lymphoma, AdultHodgkin Lymphoma, ChildhoodHypopharyngeal CancerIIntraocular MelanomaIslet Cell Tumors (Endocrine Pancreas)J[No Entries]KKaposi SarcomaKidney (Renal Cell) CancerKidney Cancer, ChildhoodLLangerhans Cell HistiocytosisLaryngeal CancerLaryngeal Cancer, ChildhoodLeukemia, Acute Lymphoblastic, AdultLeukemia, Acute Lymphoblastic, ChildhoodLeukemia, Acute Myeloid, AdultLeukemia, Acute Myeloid, ChildhoodLeukemia, Chronic LymphocyticLeukemia, Chronic MyelogenousLeukemia, Hairy CellLip and Oral Cavity CancerLiver Cancer, Adult (Primary)Liver Cancer, Childhood (Primary)Lung Cancer, Non-Small CellLung Cancer, Small CellLymphoma, AIDS-RelatedLymphoma, BurkittLymphoma, Cutaneous T-Cell, see Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary SyndromeLymphoma, Hodgkin, AdultLymphoma, Hodgkin, ChildhoodLymphoma, Non-Hodgkin, AdultLymphoma, Non-Hodgkin, ChildhoodLymphoma, Primary Central Nervous SystemMMacroglobulinemia, WaldenströmMalignant Fibrous Histiocytoma of Bone and OsteosarcomaMedulloblastoma, ChildhoodMedulloepithelioma, Childhood(See What Are Childhood Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumors?)MelanomaMelanoma, Intraocular (Eye)Merkel Cell CarcinomaMesothelioma, Adult MalignantMesothelioma, ChildhoodMetastatic Squamous Neck Cancer with Occult PrimaryMouth CancerMultiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome, ChildhoodMultiple Myeloma/Plasma Cell NeoplasmMycosis FungoidesMyelodysplastic SyndromesMyelodysplastic/Myeloproliferative DiseasesMyelogenous Leukemia, ChronicMyeloid Leukemia, Adult AcuteMyeloid Leukemia, Childhood AcuteMyeloma, MultipleMyeloproliferative Disorders, ChronicNNasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus CancerNasopharyngeal CancerNasopharyngeal Cancer, ChildhoodNeuroblastomaNon-Hodgkin Lymphoma, AdultNon-Hodgkin Lymphoma, ChildhoodNon-Small Cell Lung CancerOOral Cancer, ChildhoodOral Cavity Cancer, Lip andOropharyngeal CancerOsteosarcoma and Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma of BoneOvarian Cancer, ChildhoodOvarian Epithelial CancerOvarian Germ Cell TumorOvarian Low Malignant Potential TumorPPancreatic CancerPancreatic Cancer, ChildhoodPancreatic Cancer, Islet Cell TumorsPapillomatosis, ChildhoodParanasal Sinus and Nasal Cavity CancerParathyroid CancerPenile CancerPharyngeal CancerPineal Parenchymal Tumors of Intermediate Differentiation, Childhood(See What Are Childhood Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumors?)Pineoblastoma and Supratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors, ChildhoodPituitary TumorPlasma Cell Neoplasm/Multiple MyelomaPleuropulmonary BlastomaPregnancy and Breast CancerPrimary Central Nervous System LymphomaProstate CancerQ[No Entries]RRectal CancerRenal Cell (Kidney) CancerRenal Cell (Kidney) Cancer, ChildhoodRenal Pelvis and Ureter, Transitional Cell CancerRespiratory Tract Carcinoma Involving the NUT Gene on Chromosome 15RetinoblastomaRhabdomyosarcoma, ChildhoodSSalivary Gland CancerSalivary Gland Cancer, ChildhoodSarcoma, Ewing Sarcoma Family of TumorsSarcoma, KaposiSarcoma, Soft Tissue, AdultSarcoma, Soft Tissue, ChildhoodSarcoma, UterineSézary SyndromeSkin Cancer (Nonmelanoma)Skin Cancer, ChildhoodSkin Cancer (Melanoma)Skin Carcinoma, Merkel CellSmall Cell Lung CancerSmall Intestine CancerSoft Tissue Sarcoma, AdultSoft Tissue Sarcoma, ChildhoodSquamous Cell Carcinoma, see Skin Cancer (Nonmelanoma)Squamous Neck Cancer with Occult Primary, MetastaticStomach (Gastric) CancerStomach (Gastric) Cancer, ChildhoodSupratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors, ChildhoodTT-Cell Lymphoma, Cutaneous, see Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary SyndromeTesticular CancerThroat CancerThymoma and Thymic CarcinomaThymoma and Thymic Carcinoma, ChildhoodThyroid CancerThyroid Cancer, ChildhoodTransitional Cell Cancer of the Renal Pelvis and UreterTrophoblastic Tumor, GestationalUUnknown Primary Site, Carcinoma of, AdultUnknown Primary Site, Cancer of, ChildhoodUnusual Cancers of ChildhoodUreter and Renal Pelvis, Transitional Cell CancerUrethral CancerUterine Cancer, EndometrialUterine SarcomaVVaginal CancerVaginal Cancer, ChildhoodVulvar CancerWWaldenström MacroglobulinemiaWilms TumorWomen's CancersX[No Entries]Y[No Entries]Z[No Entries]
