Craniopharyngioma

Benign tumour which typically arises in the sellar/suprasella region

Aetiology

  • Derived from remnants of Rathke's pouch
  • Bimodal incidence - 5-15 years, 6th-7th decades

Pathophysiology

  • Slow growing, often cystic, may calcify

Clinical presentation

  • Headaches and visual disturbances
  • Can cause pituitary hypofunction → hormonal imbalances
  • Children may have growth retardation

Investigations

  • CT/MRI head

Management

  • Excellent prognosis (especially if <5cm)
  • Treatment is usually resection + radiotherapy
  • Following radiation, SSC may develop (but rare)