Craniopharyngioma Fact Sheet

• A benign tumor, which occurs near the base of the skull near the pituitary region.
• These primary brain tumors result from the growth of cells that during early fetal development fail to migrate to their designated area.
• These tumors do not generally spread, but can disrupt adjacent areas of the brain through local growth.
• Due to their location and symptoms, these tumors can sometimes be difficult to diagnosis, and are often mistaken for pituitary tumors.
• The tumor can sometimes block the flow of spinal fluid, and can lead to hydrocephalus (a build up of spinal fluid within the brain).
• Symptoms can include headaches, decreased vision, (especially peripheral vision), obesity and delayed development due to hormonal abnormalities.

Medical content was reviewed by Dr. Mark Johnson of Brigham and Women's Hospital, July 2004.