Craniopharyngioma causes symptoms in the following ways:

• Increasing the pressure on the brain (intracranial pressure)
• Disrupting the function of the pituitary gland
• Damaging the optic nerve

Increased pressure on the brain causes headache, nausea, vomiting (especially in the morning), and difficulty with balance.

Damage to the pituitary gland causes hormone imbalances that can lead to excessive thirst, excessive urination, and stunted growth.

When the optic nerve is damaged by the tumor, vision problems develop. These defects are often permanent, and may get worse after surgery to remove the tumor.

Behaviorial and learning problems may be present.

Most patients have at least some vision problems and evidence of decreased hormone production at the time of diagnosis.

• Endocrine hormone evaluations to look for any imbalances
• CT scan or MRI scan of the brain
• Neurological examination

Images

Endocrine glands

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Craniopharyngioma Overview

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Craniopharyngioma Treatment

Review Date: 03/02/2010
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)