Monday, March 21, 2011

Craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngioma

          A rare, slow growing tumor that occurs in children more often than adults is called a craniopharyngioma.  It is a benign tumor that grows aggressively on the pituitary gland.  It affects the structures around it causing damage to them.  An extreme downside to a craniopharyngioma is that there are no early symptoms.  Late symptoms that occur are vision problems and hormonal changes which is consistent with other pituitary pathologies.
          Treatment of this tumor has to be done through radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or surgery.  Surgery is the first choice to get rid of the benign, aggressive tumor.
MRI T1 weighted image

No comments:

Post a Comment