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craniopharyngioma

(KRAY-nee-oh-fuh-RIN-jee-OH-muh)
A rare, benign (not cancer) brain tumor that usually forms near the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. Craniopharyngiomas are slow-growing and do not spread to other parts of the brain or to other parts of the body. However, they may grow and press on nearby parts of the brain, including the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, optic chiasm, optic nerves, and fluid-filled spaces in the brain. This may cause problems with growth, vision, and making certain hormones. Craniopharyngiomas usually occur in children and young adults.
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Drawing of the inside of the brain showing where craniopharyngiomas may form. A pullout shows a tumor between the hypothalamus and the optic chiasm. Also shown is the optic nerve, the pituitary gland, and the sphenoid sinus.Enlarge this image in new window
Craniopharyngiomas are rare brain tumors that usually form near the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. They are benign (not cancer) and do not spread to other parts of the brain or to other parts of the body. However, they may grow and press on nearby parts of the brain, including the pituitary gland, optic chiasm, and optic nerve. Craniopharyngiomas usually occur in children and young adults.
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