Cranopharyngioma

Question 1

What is the most common pituitary tumor in children and teenagers?

Answer 1

Craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngioma is a type of brain tumor that primarily affects younger patients.

Question 2

What visual disturbance can occur with any pituitary lesion?

Answer 2

Bitemporal hemianopsia

This condition results in loss of vision in the outer (temporal) fields of both eyes.

Question 3

From which embryonic structure does craniopharyngioma originate?

Answer 3

Rathke pouch
(“roof of the
primitive oropharynx,” or “roof of the primitive oral cavity”)

Rathke pouch is an embryonic structure that contributes to the formation of the anterior pituitary gland.

Question 4

What characteristic features can craniopharyngioma have?

Answer 4

Can calcify and contain cholesterol crystals

These features can be observed in imaging studies of the tumor.

Question 5

What is the recurrence rate of craniopharyngioma?

Answer 5

High rate of recurrence

Craniopharyngiomas often require multiple treatments due to their tendency to return.