Definition
Craniopharyngioma is a slow-growing, extra-axial, epithelial-squamous, calcified cystic tumor that develops near the pituitary gland. It occupies the suprasellar/sellar region and shows benign histology but malignant behavior, as it may invade surrounding areas and recur after treatment (Fahlbusch et al. 1999). Craniopharyngiomas may develop embryogenetically, arising from remnants of the craniopharyngeal duct and/or Rathke cleft, or metaplastically because of residual squamous epithelium. The most common presenting symptoms are endocrine dysfunction, headache, and visual disturbances. Craniopharyngiomas are treated with surgical excision or surgery followed by radiotherapy (Fig. 1).
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsReferences and Readings
Fahlbusch, R., Honegger, J., Paulus, W., Huk, W., & Buchfelder, M. (1999). Surgical treatment of craniopharyngiomas: Experience with 168 patients. Journal of Neurosurgery, 90, 237–250.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2018 Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature
About this entry
Cite this entry
Moitra, E. (2018). Craniopharyngioma. In: Kreutzer, J.S., DeLuca, J., Caplan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_100
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_100
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-57110-2
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-57111-9
eBook Packages: Behavioral Science and PsychologyReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Business, Economics and Social Sciences