What is a craniopharyngioma?
A craniopharyngioma is a rare, noncancerous brain tumor that grows slowly near the pituitary gland and hypothalamus—two important areas at the base of the brain. Even though the tumor isn’t cancer, it can still cause problems by pressing on nearby parts of the brain.
This type of tumor often affects the pituitary gland, which makes hormones that help control things like growth, energy levels and body temperature. As the tumor grows, it can lead to symptoms like vision changes, tiredness, headaches and needing to urinate more often.
Craniopharyngiomas can happen at any age, but they’re most common in children and older adults. Surgery is usually the first step in treatment. However, the tumor can come back, sometimes years later. Because of that, doctors often treat it like a long-term condition that needs regular checkups and ongoing care.
Craniopharyngiomas symptoms
Craniopharyngioma symptoms can vary depending on the tumor’s size, where it’s located and how much pressure it puts on nearby areas like the pituitary gland, optic nerves and brain.
Common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Vision changes
- Fatigue
- Behavior or mood changes
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sleep issues
- Balance or coordination problems
Craniopharyngiomas often affect the pituitary gland, which controls many hormones. This can lead to:
- Slow growth or delayed puberty in children
- Increased thirst and frequent trips to the bathroom
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Feeling tired or weak due to low thyroid or adrenal function
- Sex hormone changes. Men may notice low sex drive or trouble with erections; women may have irregular or missed periods
When to see a doctor
Craniopharyngioma symptoms can develop gradually, often due to hormonal changes or pressure on the brain. If you or your child notice a combination of symptoms, like vision changes or growth delays, it's important to talk to your primary care provider. They can help determine the cause and refer you to a specialist if necessary.
Craniopharyngioma causes
The exact cause of craniopharyngioma isn't fully understood. It starts as an abnormal growth of cells near the pituitary gland, which helps control many body functions by making hormones.
Craniopharyngioma happens when changes occur in the DNA of cells. DNA contains instructions that tell the cell how to act. In healthy cells, DNA directs them to grow and divide at a controlled rate and to stop functioning when it's time. In tumor cells, these instructions get mixed up. The changes cause the cells to grow and divide too quickly, and they keep living when healthy cells stop functioning, leading to a buildup of extra cells.
Risk factors
Doctors haven’t found many clear risk factors for craniopharyngioma. It can happen at any age, but it's more common in children and older adults.
Diagnosing craniopharyngiomas
Craniopharyngiomas can have symptoms that overlap with other conditions, so diagnosing them can be challenging. However, if you have several symptoms at once, it might suggest a craniopharyngioma. If your doctor thinks you may have one, they will start by discussing your medical history and your symptoms. They will then perform a physical exam and may order additional tests, like imaging or blood work, to make a clear diagnosis.
Medical history and exams
Your doctor will begin by asking about your health history, including any ongoing conditions you may have. They'll also ask about your symptoms, looking for patterns or combinations that might point to a craniopharyngioma. For example, symptoms like headaches, vision changes and increased thirst and urination could indicate a hormone imbalance caused by the tumor.
After that, your doctor will do a physical exam, checking things like your blood pressure and temperature. They may also do a neurological exam to check how your brain, nerves and spinal cord are functioning. If you have any vision problems, your doctor might refer you to an ophthalmologist for a full eye exam.
Laboratory tests
Your doctor may order some tests to help identify hormone imbalances or other issues related to a craniopharyngioma:
- Blood tests: These measure your hormone levels and can show if there are any imbalances.
- Urinalysis: This test checks for signs of kidney problems, which may occur with diabetes insipidus (a condition caused by craniopharyngiomas).
- Biopsy: In some cases, your doctor may recommend a biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of the tumor tissue to examine it under a microscope.
Imaging and tests
Imaging tests can help diagnose craniopharyngiomas and understand where the tumor is and how it's affecting your brain. These tests create detailed images of your brain and can help your doctor see the tumor.
Some common imaging tests include:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan with contrast: This test uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of your brain. A special dye (contrast) is injected to make the tumor show up more clearly. It's the most common test used to diagnose craniopharyngiomas.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan, which uses X-rays to take images that can be combined to produce a 3D image, can also help by showing calcifications within tumors.
Find specialized care for craniopharyngiomas near you
At Baylor Scott & White, we offer specialized care and treatment for craniopharyngiomas at neurology centers across North and Central Texas. Receive personalized care from a team dedicated to your health and well-being. Whether you're seeking diagnosis, treatment or ongoing management, we are here by your side every step of the way.
