Craniopharyngioma is a non-cancerous growth that typically forms just above the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is responsible for producing hormones that support metabolism, along with other bodily functions, and craniopharyngiomas can disrupt these essential functions. These tumours can also impact other areas of the brain depending on their size.
Craniopharyngioma may cause issues with hormone production due to their proximity to the pituitary gland. For instance, children with these benign growths may experience problems with development if the output of growth hormone is impacted.
However, other areas, such as the optic nerves and hypothalamus, can also be affected by craniopharyngioma. In this case, a person might experience headaches, vision issues, and nausea due to increasing pressure in the brain. While the prognosis is often good with craniopharyngioma, it is important to have symptoms assessed immediately to determine the underlying cause.
It’s not fully understood why some people develop growths near their pituitary glands. However, medical researchers believe that the condition results from mutations in the cells responsible for the development of pituitary glands.
Surgical removal of pituitary growths can help manage symptoms, and surgery usually involves one of the following procedures:
It may not be possible to remove tumours completely. In this case, a patient can also undergo radiation therapy to shrink the pituitary growth and reduce the effects of symptoms. Chemotherapy is also an option for papillary craniopharyngioma but is not usually recommended for treating general craniopharyngiomas.