What is a craniopharyngioma?

A craniopharyngioma is a rare benign tumor that arises near the pituitary gland. It is slow-growing and affects the cranial nerves, which are responsible for vision, and the endocrine system, which regulates the hormonal activity of the body.

Surgery and radiation therapy are the major treatments for craniopharyngiomas. Chemotherapy has now come to the fore as a choice for a particular papillary variant of craniopharyngioma.

Five years after diagnosis, around 90% of patients with this tumor are still alive. However, because the diseases caused by these tumors are not always cured by treatment and this type of tumor frequently returns (recurs), these tumors are treated as chronic disorders.

Who is affected by craniopharyngiomas?

Craniopharyngiomas usually occur in two age groups, in children aged 5 to 14 and adults aged 50 to 74. Adamantinomatous types can be found in all age groups while the papillary subtypes almost always occur in adults.

What are craniopharyngioma symptoms?

A growing craniopharyngioma can push on nearby nerves, blood vessels or brain tissue causing a variety of symptoms like:

• Balance problems
• Confusion, mood swings or behavior changes
• Headache
• Increased thirst and urination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Slow growth in children
• Vision problems

What causes craniopharyngiomas?

Researchers have not identified a specific cause, but they think that these tumors come from cells that had contributed to formation of your child's or your pituitary gland. Something triggers these cells to become abnormal and multiply and grow.

How do doctors diagnose craniopharyngiomas?

Your doctors may enquire about your medical history, particularly your physical development if you are being evaluated for this type of tumor. During an evaluation, your child's doctor may enquire about their physical and cognitive development, vision, and whether they have frequent urination or seem abnormally thirsty.

What diagnostic procedures are used by medical professionals to identify craniopharyngiomas?

Medical professionals may perform the following tests:

• Blood tests: These ascertain the levels of specific hormones.
• Urinalysis: These examinations look for indications of renal issues.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan: This examination produces three-dimensional pictures of a person's soft tissues and bones using a sequence of X-rays and a computer.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A big magnet, radio waves, and a computer are used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a painless procedure that creates incredibly clear pictures of the organs and other structures inside a person's body.
• Biopsy: To gather cells, fluids, tissues, or growths for microscopic study, medical professionals perform biopsies, or extract tissue samples.

Can craniopharyngiomas be treated?

Brain surgery is typically used to treat craniopharyngiomas. This procedure can be performed by a craniotomy, which is an opening in your head, or through your nose using a tiny scope. As much of the tumor as feasible must be removed during surgery without endangering your pituitary gland, hypothalamus, or optic nerves. Nevertheless, some individuals may require subsequent hormonal medication. Additionally, radiation therapy after surgery might be suggested, particularly if it is not possible to safely remove the entire tumor.

What are common surgery side effects?

It can be quite difficult to remove craniopharyngiomas surgically. The pituitary gland and sensitive nerves are vulnerable to harm, which is how these tumors initially develop. Secondly, the surgical removal of a craniopharyngioma is like removing a sticky label from an envelope without ripping it. This is because the pituitary gland and the nerves that regulate vision are often the sites of these tumors. According to some medical professionals, the surgery required to remove these tumors could be just as damaging as the tumors themselves. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the goal of the procedure and any potential negative effects before having it done.

Can craniopharyngiomas be prevented?

It is impossible to prevent these tumors. They form as a result of cell alterations that occur during the development of your or your child's body.

How long can you live with craniopharyngioma?

How much time may someone with a craniopharyngioma live?

After therapy, many people continue to survive for years. However, these tumors frequently return (recur). Up to 17% of tumors that are surgically excised totally return overall. For tumors that have been partially excised, that percentage rises from 25% to 63%. The majority of recurrent craniopharyngiomas do so within three years following surgery.

For the following reasons, some medical professionals view craniopharyngiomas as chronic conditions requiring ongoing care and observation:

• To remove a recurrent tumor, you or your kid might require extra surgery.
• You or your child might require hormone replacement medication if the tumor or surgery results in issues with the pituitary or hypothalamus.
• Children with hypothalamic obesity, or tumor-related obesity, are more likely to experience other health issues. You might require assistance and direction if your child has hypothalamic obesity to help them make healthy dietary choices and engage in regular exercise.

When should I/my child see a doctor?

The odds are you or your child will be dealing with craniopharyngioma for the rest of your life. Craniopharyngiomas often recur, and many treatments cannot completely reverse all symptoms. Here are some things to think about as you make plans for your/your child's treatment:

• You or your child will need to follow up with healthcare providers annually so they can track your or your child's health.
• You or your child's doctors are likely to have you or your child undergoes regular annual scans- usually MRIs-to monitor the growth of tumors.
• You or your child probably will have to cope with side effects, such as hormonal deficiencies and blindness, which are not treated with surgery.

What questions should I ask my/my child's doctor?

Craniopharyngiomas are uncommon benign tumors that cause several difficult medical conditions that might need lifelong care. If you or your children have this type of tumor, you might worry about managing this long-term condition. Here are some questions that may help you as you discuss your or your child's case with the doctor:

• I never heard of this tumor. Can you explain what it is?
• Will this tumor cause more severe health issues for my child or me?
• Why is this tumor present in my child or me?
• Which treatments are available?
• How likely is it that the treatment will be effective?
• Will my child's or my own symptoms go away with treatment?
• What are the potential short- and long-term side effects of treatment?
• What would happen if the tumor returned?

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for craniopharyngioma?

Tender Palm Hospital, owned by doctors, is renowned for attracting the most experienced professional in the country, with the finest neurologist and neurosurgeons specialized in craniopharyngioma. Tender Palm stands out as the premier Neurology hospital in Lucknow, India. Boasting cutting-edge infrastructure and advanced technology, Tender Palm ensures top-notch medical care for its patients.

To Book an appointment for craniopharyngioma

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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