ABSTRACT
Craniopharyngioma is a rare, benign tumor of the sellar region that consists of two recognized histopathologic variants: adamantinomatous and papillary. The sellar region is the area around the sella turcica, which is a saddle-shaped, bony depression within the sphenoid bone at the skull base, and in which the pituitary gland is situated. Above the sellar region lies the suprasellar cistern, with several vital structures traversing the area. Craniopharyngioma has an estimated incidence of 0.5-2 cases per million per year and accounts for 2-5 percent of all primary brain tumors. Despite its slow growth, craniopharyngioma can put pressure on the brain, the optic chiasm, and the pituitary gland, leading to clinical symptoms such as headache, visual impairment, endocrine deficits, balance disorder, dry skin, fatigue, fever, hypersomnia, lethargy, myxedema, nausea, vomiting, short stature, polydipsia, polyuria, and postsurgical weight gain. Diagnosis of craniopharyngioma involves physical exam, medical history review, neurological exam, etc.
