A craniopharyngioma is a benign tumor that develops near the pituitary gland (a small endocrine gland at the base of the brain).

This tumor most commonly affects children between 5 and 10 years of age; however, adults can sometimes be affected. Boys and girls are equally likely to develop this condition.

Craniopharyngioma causes symptoms in three different ways:

• by increasing the pressure on the brain (intracranial pressure)
• by disrupting the function of the pituitary gland
• by 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 and urination (diabetes insipidus) and stunted growth. When the optic nerve is damaged by the tumor, vision problems develop. These defects are often permanent, and may be worse after surgery to remove the tumor.

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

• CT scan and/or MRI scan of the brain
• A thorough neurological examination
• Endocrine hormone evaluations to look for any imbalances