Craniopharyngioma
Definition and Presentation
A tumour arising in the pituitary
area, which is benign and slow growing and occurs in all ages but
is more common in children. In children it often presents with
hormonal disturbances and impaired growth or symptoms of increased
intracranial pressure due to obstruction of the flow of cerebral
spinal fluid. Adults are more observant of the visual field
impairments that may occur due to compression on the optic
apparatus from below.
Diagnosis
CT and MRI scanning usually provide the diagnosis.
Treatment
The primary treatment modality is surgical removal. This is
particularly true if visual problems occur. Tumours are notoriously
difficult to remove safely from surrounding brain to which they
commonly adhere. Aggressive surgery may result in severe deficits.
Surgery is often combined with post-operative conventional
radiotherapy. For predominantly cystic tumours, local installation
of radioactive isotope such as Yttrium 90 or Phosphorous 32 are
utilised in some centres. Gamma Knife treatment has been shown to
be very effective in some cases.
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24 months post |