What is a craniopharyngioma?
A craniopharyngioma is a rare, noncancerous brain tumor that grows slowly near the pituitary gland and hypothalamus—two important areas at the base of the brain. Even though the tumor isn’t cancer, it can still cause problems by pressing on nearby parts of the brain.
This type of tumor often affects the pituitary gland, which makes hormones that help control things like growth, energy levels and body temperature. As the tumor grows, it can lead to symptoms like vision changes, tiredness, headaches and needing to urinate more often.
Craniopharyngiomas can happen at any age, but they’re most common in children and older adults. Surgery is usually the first step in treatment. However, the tumor can come back, sometimes years later. Because of that, doctors often treat it like a long-term condition that needs regular checkups and ongoing care.
Craniopharyngiomas symptoms
Craniopharyngioma symptoms can vary depending on the tumor’s size, where it’s located and how much pressure it puts on nearby areas like the pituitary gland, optic nerves and brain.
Common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Vision changes
- Fatigue
- Behavior or mood changes
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sleep issues
- Balance or coordination problems
Craniopharyngiomas often affect the pituitary gland, which controls many hormones. This can lead to:
- Slow growth or delayed puberty in children
- Increased thirst and frequent trips to the bathroom
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Feeling tired or weak due to low thyroid or adrenal function
- Sex hormone changes. Men may notice low sex drive or trouble with erections; women may have irregular or missed periods
When to see a doctor
Craniopharyngioma symptoms can develop gradually, often due to hormonal changes or pressure on the brain. If you or your child notice a combination of symptoms, like vision changes or growth delays, it's important to talk to your primary care provider. They can help determine the cause and refer you to a specialist if necessary.
Craniopharyngioma causes
The exact cause of craniopharyngioma isn't fully understood. It starts as an abnormal growth of cells near the pituitary gland, which helps control many body functions by making hormones.
Craniopharyngioma happens when changes occur in the DNA of cells. DNA contains instructions that tell the cell how to act. In healthy cells, DNA directs them to grow and divide at a controlled rate and to stop functioning when it's time. In tumor cells, these instructions get mixed up. The changes cause the cells to grow and divide too quickly, and they keep living when healthy cells stop functioning, leading to a buildup of extra cells.
Risk factors
Doctors haven’t found many clear risk factors for craniopharyngioma. It can happen at any age, but it's more common in children and older adults.
Diagnosing craniopharyngiomas
Craniopharyngiomas can have symptoms that overlap with other conditions, so diagnosing them can be challenging. However, if you have several symptoms at once, it might suggest a craniopharyngioma. If your doctor thinks you may have one, they will start by discussing your medical history and your symptoms. They will then perform a physical exam and may order additional tests, like imaging or blood work, to make a clear diagnosis.
Medical history and exams
Your doctor will begin by asking about your health history, including any ongoing conditions you may have. They'll also ask about your symptoms, looking for patterns or combinations that might point to a craniopharyngioma. For example, symptoms like headaches, vision changes and increased thirst and urination could indicate a hormone imbalance caused by the tumor.
After that, your doctor will do a physical exam, checking things like your blood pressure and temperature. They may also do a neurological exam to check how your brain, nerves and spinal cord are functioning. If you have any vision problems, your doctor might refer you to an ophthalmologist for a full eye exam.
Laboratory tests
Your doctor may order some tests to help identify hormone imbalances or other issues related to a craniopharyngioma:
- Blood tests: These measure your hormone levels and can show if there are any imbalances.
- Urinalysis: This test checks for signs of kidney problems, which may occur with diabetes insipidus (a condition caused by craniopharyngiomas).
- Biopsy: In some cases, your doctor may recommend a biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of the tumor tissue to examine it under a microscope.
Imaging and tests
Imaging tests can help diagnose craniopharyngiomas and understand where the tumor is and how it's affecting your brain. These tests create detailed images of your brain and can help your doctor see the tumor.
Some common imaging tests include:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan with contrast: This test uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of your brain. A special dye (contrast) is injected to make the tumor show up more clearly. It's the most common test used to diagnose craniopharyngiomas.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan, which uses X-rays to take images that can be combined to produce a 3D image, can also help by showing calcifications within tumors.
Craniopharyngioma treatment
Treating craniopharyngiomas usually involves a team of doctors, including neurologists, endocrinologists and ophthalmologists. Surgery is often the first step, where doctors try to remove as much of the tumor as possible. If the tumor can't be fully removed, they’ll take out as much as they safely can. After surgery, radiation therapy may be used to treat any remaining tumor cells. In some cases, chemotherapy or targeted therapy might also be options.
Surgery
Two main types of surgery are used to remove craniopharyngiomas, with the best choice depending on your health, age and where the tumor is located.
- Open craniotomy: In this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in your scalp, removes a small piece of bone to access the brain and then removes the tumor. The bone is put back using small plates and screws.
- Endonasal surgery: This surgery is done through the nose using a special camera (endoscope) to remove the tumor. In some cases, tissue from other parts of your body is used to rebuild the space left by the tumor.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses strong energy beams to target tumor cells. It's often used after surgery to treat any remaining tumor cells. The types of radiation include:
- External beam radiation therapy: You lie on a table while a machine moves around you to direct radiation to the tumor. New techniques allow the radiation to be aimed more precisely, helping protect healthy tissue.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery: This method uses multiple beams of radiation from different angles to target the tumor, often in just one or a few sessions.
- Brachytherapy: In this treatment, doctors place radioactive material directly into the tumor, allowing it to radiate from the inside.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medications to kill or slow the growth of tumor cells. It's not usually the first treatment for craniopharyngiomas, but may be considered if surgery and radiation aren't enough or if the tumor comes back.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy may be used for a type of craniopharyngioma called papillary craniopharyngioma, which is less common. This treatment targets specific chemicals in the tumor cells, blocking them and eliminating the tumor. Most papillary craniopharyngiomas have a genetic change called the BRAF gene, and treatments aimed at this gene change may be an option. Lab tests can check if your tumor has this genetic change.
Hormone replacement therapy
Craniopharyngiomas can affect hormone levels, so you might need hormone replacement therapy to replace any hormones your body is missing. For example, you may need thyroid hormone or glucocorticoid replacement, which helps manage inflammation and support your metabolism.
Find specialized care for craniopharyngiomas near you
At Baylor Scott & White, we offer specialized care and treatment for craniopharyngiomas at neurology centers across North and Central Texas. Receive personalized care from a team dedicated to your health and well-being. Whether you're seeking diagnosis, treatment or ongoing management, we are here by your side every step of the way.
AccentCare - Fort Worth
3880 Hulen St , Fort Worth, TX, 76107
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Idabel, OK
4 SE Avenue A , Idabel, OK, 74745
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Mt Pleasant (Satellite)
1011 N Jefferson Ave , Mt Pleasant, TX, 75455
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Paris
875 S Collegiate Dr , Paris, TX, 75462
Baylor Scott & White Cardiac Surgery - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
Baylor Scott & White Liver Consultants of Texas - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Sulphur Springs
601 Airport Rd Ste 110, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75482
Baylor Scott & White North Texas Colon and Rectal Associates - Sulphur Springs
601 Airport Rd Ste 110, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75482
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Center for Advanced Surgery - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Liver Consultants of Texas - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White North Texas Colon and Rectal Associates - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Center for Thoracic Surgery - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75702
Baylor Scott & White Cardiac Surgery - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Touchstone Imaging Tyler
2019 Old Troup Hwy , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint Hospital
1814 Roseland Blvd Ste 100, Tyler, TX, 75701
Glen Oaks Hospital
301 Division St , Greenville, TX, 75401
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital - Sherman
3601 N Calais St , Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Urgent Care+ Sherman
4028 N Hwy 75 , Sherman, TX, 75090
- Monday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint Hospital Urgent Care - Tyler
8101 S Broadway Ave , Tyler, TX, 75703
- Monday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates Pediatrics - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 110, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Gastroenterology - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 200, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Outpatient Rehabilitation - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 120, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 100, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Endoscopy Center - Sherman
1615 US-75 Ste B, Sherman, TX, 75090
Sherman Endoscopy Center
1615 N Hwy 75 , Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Women's Care & Continence Center - Sherman
260 E Evergreen St , Sherman, TX, 75090
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Sherman Sycamore (Satellite)
203 E Sycamore St , Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Sherman
230 E Sycamore St Ste 205, Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Sherman
230 E Sycamore St Ste 205, Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care – Sherman Highland (Satellite)
300 N Highland Ave , Sherman, TX, 75092
Baylor Scott & White Digestive Diseases Group - Sherman
204 Medical Dr Ste 240, Sherman, TX, 75092
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Van Alstyne
250 N Collin McKinney Pkwy , Van Alstyne, TX, 75495
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Anna
601 S. Ferguson Pkwy Ste 100, Anna, TX, 75409
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Royse City
594 W Interstate 30 , Royse City, TX, 75189
- Monday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Anna
450 N Standridge Blvd , Anna, TX, 75409
Baylor Scott & White Digestive Diseases Group - Anna
450 N Standridge Blvd Ste 104, Anna, TX, 75409
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Institute - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
- Monday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - McKinney Red Bud
1705 W University Dr Ste 119, McKinney, TX, 75069
Baylor Scott & White Institute For Rehabilitation - McKinney Lake Forest
1705 W University Dr Ste 119, McKinney, TX, 75069
Baylor Scott & White Institute For Rehabilitation - McKinney University
1705 W University Dr Ste 119, McKinney, TX, 75069
Heritage Eye Center
1501 Redbud Blvd , McKinney, TX, 75069
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - McKinney
5268 W University Dr , McKinney, TX, 75071
The Laser Surgery Center, LLC
2600 W University Dr Ste 200, McKinney, TX, 75071
Frequently asked questions
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Can craniopharyngioma be cured?
Yes, craniopharyngioma can often be cured with surgery or radiation. Most people do well, and the chance of a cure is high. But the tumor can come back, especially in the first couple of years, so regular checkups are important.
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Is craniopharyngioma a pituitary tumor?
No, a craniopharyngioma is not a pituitary tumor, but it grows close to the pituitary gland and can affect how it works. These tumors form near the pituitary stalk, which connects the gland to the brain. Even though they don’t start in the pituitary itself, they can press on it and cause hormone problems or other symptoms.
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Is craniopharyngioma cancer?
No, craniopharyngioma isn’t cancer. It’s a noncancerous brain tumor that usually grows slowly and doesn’t spread to other parts of the body. It often forms near the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. While it’s not cancer, it can still cause health problems because of where it grows and the pressure it puts on nearby parts of the brain.
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Is craniopharyngioma hereditary?
No, craniopharyngioma is not typically hereditary. Although genetic mutations can cause it, these mutations usually happen randomly during cell division and are not passed down from parents. Familial cases are rare but have been reported.
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Is craniopharyngioma malignant?
No, craniopharyngioma is not malignant. It is a benign (noncancerous) brain tumor that typically develops near the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. Craniopharyngiomas are usually slow-growing and do not spread to other parts of the body.