Craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngioma is a rare type of brain tumor that develops near the pituitary gland and affects the nervous system. Although it’s a common type of brain tumor in children, craniopharyngioma can also occur in adults. The craniopharyngioma tumor arises from embryonic cells involved in the development of the pituitary gland and other parts of the brain, including the optic nerve. As the tumor grows, it can compress and damage these structures and cause hormonal imbalances, vision loss, and other neurological symptoms. Treatment for craniopharyngioma typically involves surgery, radiation, or a combination of both depending on the size and location of the tumor, age of the patient, and overall health status. Surgical removal of the tumor is often challenging due to its location near critical brain structures, and so, radiation therapy may be used to shrink the tumor before, after, or instead of surgery. Given the complexity of craniopharyngioma, ongoing neurological research and therapy are crucial to improving outcomes for patients. Advancements in imaging technology, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and surgical techniques, such as endoscopic surgery, have significantly improved the accuracy of diagnosis and reduced the risks associated with surgery. Research also continues to explore novel approaches for the treatment of craniopharyngioma, including targeted drug therapy and immunotherapy. Through advancements in neurological research and therapy, healthcare professionals will be better-equipped to diagnose and treat this rare brain tumor and improve outcomes for patients.


From: Neurobiology

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Editor-in-chief: Zheng Jiang, Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Publication Type: Open Access Journal
Description: The brain, spinal cord, and nerves make up the nervous system. Together they control all the workings of the body. When something goes wrong with a part of your nervous system, you can have trouble moving, speaking, swallowing, breathing, or learning. You can also have problems with your memory, senses, or mood.