 |
|
 |
|
300 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 355-6000
|
|
|
|
|
My Child Has:
|
|
Craniopharyngioma
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A craniopharyngioma is a tumor that develops in the region of the pituitary gland (the main endocrine gland, which is responsible for producing hormones that control growth and other body functions) near the hypothalmus (the area of the brain that controls body temperature, hunger and thirst). Craniopharyngiomas are the most common extraneural tumors of the central nervous system in children. Although their epicenter is in the suprasellar region, the tumors can reach gigantic size, extending upwards into the third ventricle and even the lateral ventricles.
As you read further below, you will find general information about craniopharyngiomas. If you would like to view summary information about brain tumors first, see the overview on brain tumors
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following are the most common symptoms of an craniopharyngioma, however, each child may experience symptoms differently. Common symptoms may include:
|
|
|
- increased pressure within the brain. These symptoms include:
- headache (generally upon awakening in the morning)
- endocrinologic symptoms, from cessation or delay of growth to more frank signs and symptoms, including delayed or precocious puberty and diabetes insipidus
- visual defects, due to proximity of craniopharyngiomas to the optic apparatus
- changes in personality, disturbances in eating patterns, loss of memory, and deterioration in school, work, or home aptitude.
|
|
The symptoms of a brain tumor may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diagnostic procedures for craniopharnygioma may include:
|
|
|
- computerized tomography scan (also called a CT or CAT scan) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body, including the brain and spinal cord. CT scanning is often done in addition to MRI to define the degree of calcification of the tumor.
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
|
|
|
|
Specific treatment for a craniopharyngioma will be determined by your child's physician based on:
|
|
|
- your child's age, overall health, and medical history
- type, location, and size of the tumor
- extent of the disease
- your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- how your child's doctors expects the disease to progress
- your opinion or preference
|
|
Treatment may include (alone or in combination):
|
|
|
- surgery - the primary treatment is maximum surgical removal of the tumor.
- radiation therapy - when complete excision of craniopharyngioma is not possible, optimal therapy combines conservative surgical removal with radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays (radiation) from a specialized machine to damage or kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
|
|
Chemotherapy is not effective for craniopharyngiomas.
|
|
|
|
|
|
After these therapies, the 10-year progression-free survival exceeds 90 percent, although effects on the neurologic and endrocrine systems occur commonly among survivors as a result of surgery, radiation and the tumor itself. Significant visual deficits are found in 10-50 percent of survivors, and other major neurologic deficits in as many as 24 percent. Endocrine abnormalities are more common. Diabetes insipidus is found in 25-90 percent of survivors, requiring hormone replacement therapy. Growth hormone deficiency occurs in 20-60 percent, hypothyroidism in 65-80 percent, and cortisone replacement is required in 60-90 percent. Sex hormone deficiencies are relatively less common, occurring in 30-40 percent of survivors. The combination of neurologic deficits, endocrine abnormalities, and often-subtle cognitive effects require multidisciplinary treatment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Children's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are conducting numerous research studies that will help clinicians better understand and treat craniopharyngioma. For more information on current research, see the Brain Tumor Program.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The information on this website should not be taken as medical advice,
which can only be given to you by your personal health care professional. |
|
|
|
Copyright © Children's Hospital Boston. All rights reserved. |
|
|
|
|
