Craniopharyngioma tumours
Useful Information about
Craniopharyngioma Tumours
Craniopharyngiomas are tumours that usually grow near the base of the brain, just above the pituitary gland, which produces hormones in the body. They most commonly affect children aged between five and fourteen.
They are usually non-cancerous and low-grade (not aggressive) meaning they do not tend to spread to other parts of the body. However, their location at the base of the brain can lead to issues, especially vision problems, as they can press against the optic nerve.
The most common symptoms are:
- Headaches
- Vision changes
- Growth problems
- Hormonal imbalances
- Growth delays
- Excessive thirst or urination
- Behavioural changes
- Baby’s head getting bigger (macroencephaly) – this can occur in very young babies as the bones in their skull have not fused yet
To find out more about the different signs & symptoms of brain tumours – Click here
What kind of tests will my child have?
To diagnose a craniopharyngioma, your doctor will run some tests to figure out the size and location of the tumour.
The tests could include:
- MRI scan or CT scan
- Blood tests
- A biopsy
Read more about testing for brain tumours – Click here
What are the treatment options for my child?
A specialist medical team will put together a tailored treatment plan based on your child’s unique needs, but the main ways to treat a craniopharyngioma are:
- Surgery
- Radiotherapy
Read more about these and other types of treatment – Click here
In some cases your child may also need hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to manage the long term effects of the tumour. The duration of the HRT treatment can range from weeks to months to life-long, depending on the age of the child and the damage to the pituitary gland from the tumour. Doctors will monitor your child to work out the best long-term treatment plan.
We hope this page helps you feel informed and supported on your path with Craniopharyngioma. At OSCAR’s we’re here for you every step of the way, offering hope, encouragement, and resources to help you and your loved ones face this challenge with courage and resilience. Remember, you are not alone – we stand together in this fight against Craniopharyngioma, committed to making a difference in the lives of those affected.
