| Craniopharyngiomas | 1316.00000000000 | Craniopharyngiomas | Craniopharyngiomas | C | English | Neurology;Oncology | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Brain | Nervous system | Conditions and diseases | Adult (19+) | NA | | 2009-07-17T04:00:00Z | | | | | | 10.0000000000000 | 48.0000000000000 | 520.000000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>Learn about craniopharyngiomas. Trusted answers from The Hospital for Sick Children.</p> | <p>This is a benign, slow-growing tumour. A craniopharyngioma is made up of solid parts and cysts. The solid parts contain calcium, and the cysts are full of fluid. The tumour is located in the central part of the brain, above the pituitary gland. It is also near other important parts of the brain such as the hypothalamus, the optic nerve pathways, and the third ventricle. It is a congenital tumour, which means it was there at birth. Symptoms begin when it starts to grow and affect other areas of the brain. </p>
<p>Two small but important parts in the brain — the hypothalamus and pituitary gland — are likely to be affected. These areas release important hormones, or chemicals that regulate growth, sexual development, sleep patterns, the body’s temperature, water balance, appetite, blood sugar levels, and the way the body uses fat (fat metabolism). The optic nerve pathways, which are involved in vision, may also be affected. </p>
<p>There are different approaches to treatment based on the child’s age and on features of the tumour. Surgery, and possibly radiation therapy at the site of the tumour, may be used for treatment. Hormone replacement will probably be needed. </p> | | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul><li>Craniopharyngiomas are benign, slow-growing tumours located in the central part of the brain, above the pituitary gland.</li>
<li>Surgery, and possibly radiation therapy at the site of the tumour, may be used for treatment, and hormone replacement will probably be needed.</li>
<li>It is believed that it grows when a baby is developing, and cells that normally disappear during development don't disappear and form a craniopharyngioma.</li>
<li>Common symptoms are headaches, vomiting, and problems with vision.</li></ul> | <h2>What causes a craniopharyngioma?</h2><p>We don’t know what causes a craniopharyngioma. It is believed that it grows when a baby is developing, and cells that normally disappear during development don't disappear and form a craniopharyngioma. </p><p>There is no way to predict that a child will get a tumour. Nobody is to blame if a child develops a tumour.</p><p>Researchers have also been studying whether environmental factors, such as food or chemicals, can cause brain tumours. At the moment, there is no definite proof that there is a connection. </p><h2>How many other children have craniopharyngiomas?</h2><p>Craniopharyngiomas account for about 3 to 5 out of every 100 brain tumours in children. They are usually found in children aged five to 10. </p><h2>What are the medical symptoms of a craniopharyngioma?</h2><p>Common symptoms are headaches, vomiting, and problems with vision. The tumour presses on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland which both produce hormones, which are chemicals that send signals to other parts of the body. As a result, the tumour affects the release of hormones. Because hormone levels are changed, the child may experience poor growth, delayed puberty (or in rare cases, early puberty), and appetite changes. A child may also develop diabetes insipidus, which causes intense thirst and increased need to pee (urinate). </p><p>Other symptoms can include:</p><ul><li>fatigue </li><li>sleepiness in the daytime</li><li>waking at night</li><li>significant weight gain</li><li>behaviour changes</li><li>memory problems</li></ul><p>For more information please see:</p><ul><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=1330&language=English">Diagnosis of Craniopharyngiomas</a></li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=1370&language=English">Treatment of Craniopharyngiomas </a></li></ul> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Craniopharyngiomas | | False | | | | | | |
