Symptoms

Children with craniopharyngioma may experience any of the symptoms listed below. Sometimes, children with craniopharyngioma do not show any of these symptoms. Or, these symptoms may be caused by a medical condition that is not a tumor. If you are concerned about a symptom on this list, please talk with your child’s doctor.

Symptoms caused by craniopharyngioma can be general (caused by the tumor pressing on the brain), or specific (affecting the normal functioning of part of the brain or caused by pressure on nerves or blood vessels). Generally, craniopharyngioma is not diagnosed until symptoms begin.

General symptoms include:

• Headaches, which may be severe and may be worse in the early morning
  
  
• Nausea and/or vomiting
  
  
• Difficulty with balance
  
  
• Increased sleepiness or fatigue
  
  
• Mood or behavior changes

Specific symptoms include:

• Vision changes, blurriness, or loss of peripheral vision
  
  
• Excessive thirst
  
  
• Increased urination
  
  
• Slow or halted growth
  
  
• Excessive weight gain
  
  
• Early or delayed puberty