craniopharyngioma

Question 1

what is it?

Answer 1

derived from remnants of Rathke’s pouch - where the anterior pituitary is derived from
1-5% of intracranial tumours
slow growing, often cystic, may calcify
some arise within the sella but most suprasellar
bimodal incidence
- 5-15 years
- 50-60 yrs

Question 2

how does it present?

Answer 2

headaches and visual disturbances
- children may have growth retardation
excellent prognosis particularly if <5cm
following radiation, SCC may develop but this is rare