Overview

Craniopharyngioma is a benign (noncancerous) central nervous system tumor (CNS) tumor. A tumor begins when cells start to grow uncontrollably, eventually forming a mass. There are many different types of central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Some are malignant (cancerous), which means they can invade other tissues and spread to other areas of the body. Others, such as craniopharyngioma, are less aggressive, called either low grade or benign, which means they are usually slow-growing and not as likely to spread.

The brain and spinal column make up the CNS, where all vital functions of the body are controlled. The brain is the center of thought, memory, and emotion. It controls the five senses (smell, touch, taste, hearing, and sight), movement, and other basic body functions, including heartbeat, circulation, and breathing. The spinal cord consists of nerves that carry information from the body to the brain and from the brain to the body. When a tumor begins in the CNS, it can affect a person’s thought processes and movements. A tumor in the CNS can also be difficult to treat because the tissue surrounding the tumor may be vital to the body’s functioning.

Craniopharyngioma starts near the pituitary gland in a part of the brain called the suprasellar region. This region is the area of the brain above the part of the skull where the pituitary gland is located. The pituitary gland is an important gland in the brain and is often called the “master endocrine gland” because it produces several different hormones that affect many bodily functions.

Craniopharyngioma is a slow-growing tumor that can grow for many years before being found. It can be solid and/or cystic (a closed pouch or sac that contains fluid), and it may contain calcified nodules (a growth or lump that has hardened due to deposits of calcium). A cystic tumor may also contain some solid material or debris and often contains very high amounts of protein.

Statistics

Approximately 200 new cases of craniopharyngioma are diagnosed each year in the United States. More than half occur in people younger than 18. Craniopharyngioma accounts for approximately 4% of childhood CNS tumors.

Cancer statistics should be interpreted with caution. Estimates are based on data from thousands of cases of this type of tumor, but the actual risk for a particular individual may differ.

Source: Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States.

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