Craniopharyngiomas

Abstract

Craniopharyngiomas are benign epithelial tumors, arising from the pituitary stalk or gland and developing in the sellar and suprasellar region. Their management is still controversial. Because it is an extra-cerebral benign lesion, the ideal goal of treatment should be complete tumor removal with improvement of altered visual functions, minimal deterioration of endocrino-logical function, and no neuropsychological impairment. But the situation of the tumor and its relationship with the third ventricle, hypothalamus, optic tract, and vascular structures often make its removal difficult. Radical surgery has been criticized because of the perceived poor functional outcome, especially in children. However, great progress has been realized in surgical treatment, resulting in a dramatic improvement of the prognosis of craniopharyngiomas. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.