Overview
A craniopharyngioma is a rare benign tumor that develops near your pituitary gland. This is a slow-growing tumor that can affect your cranial nerves, which are responsible for vision, and your endocrine system, which is responsible for the hormonal function of your body.
The main treatments for craniopharyngiomas are surgery and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy has emerged as an option for a special papillary subtype of craniopharyngioma.
More than 90% of people with this tumor are alive five years after diagnosis. That said, these tumors are treated as a chronic condition because treatment doesn’t always cure the conditions the tumors cause and because this kind of tumor often comes back (recurs).
Who is affected by craniopharyngiomas?
Each year, approximately 2 people per 1 million are diagnosed with one of two types of craniopharyngiomas: adamantinomatous and papillary. They typically present in two age groups: in children aged 5 to 14 and in adults aged 50 to 74. Adamantinomatous types can be found in all age groups, whereas papillary subtypes are almost always found in adults.
How serious is a craniopharyngioma?
A craniopharyngioma is a serious medical condition that may require life-long medical treatment. About half of all surgically removed tumors come back over time. Craniopharyngiomas cause several medical conditions that remain even after the tumor has been removed.
What’s the difference between a craniopharyngioma and a pituitary adenoma?
Craniopharyngiomas and pituitary adenomas can both affect hormone function. Pituitary adenomas are tumors that come from your pituitary gland, and craniopharyngiomas are located near that gland. Although both tumors are considered benign, craniopharyngiomas generally have a more aggressive nature than pituitary adenomas.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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