Neoplastic Process
craniopharyngioma
[ kray-nee-oh-fuh-rin-jee-oh-muh ]
Subclass of:
Neuroectodermal Tumors
Etymology:
Greek kranion = skull + pharynx = throat + -oma = tumor or neoplasm
Definitions related to craniopharyngioma:
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(craniopharyngioma, benign) A benign epithelial neoplasm of the sellar region, presumably derived from Rathke pouch epithelium.CDISC TerminologyClinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium (CDISC), 2021
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A benign brain tumor that may be considered malignant because it can damage the hypothalamus, the area of the brain that controls body temperature, hunger, and thirst.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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A benign pituitary-region neoplasm that originates from Rathke's pouch. The two major histologic and clinical subtypes are adamantinous (or classical) craniopharyngioma and papillary craniopharyngioma. The adamantinous form presents in children and adolescents as an expanding cystic lesion in the pituitary region. The cystic cavity is filled with a black viscous substance and histologically the tumor is composed of adamantinomatous epithelium and areas of calcification and necrosis. Papillary craniopharyngiomas occur in adults, and histologically feature a squamous epithelium with papillations. (From Joynt, Clinical Neurology, 1998, Ch14, p50)NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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A benign, partly cystic, epithelial tumor of the sellar region, presumably derived from Rathke pouch epithelium. It affects mainly children and young adults. There are two clinicopathological forms: adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma and papillary craniopharyngioma. The most significant factor associated with recurrence is the extent of surgical resection, with lesions greater than 5 cm in diameter carrying a markedly worse prognosis. (Adapted from WHO)NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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A histologically benign, but locally destructive, partly cystic, epithelial tumor of the sellar region, derived from Rathke pouch epithelium.NICHD Pediatric TerminologyU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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Craniopharyngiomas are dysontogenic tumors with benign histology and malignant behavior. These lesions have a tendency to invade surrounding structures and to recur after a seemingly total resection (see the image below).WebMD, 2019
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Craniopharyngioma is a rare type of noncancerous (benign) brain tumor. Craniopharyngioma begins near the brain's pituitary gland, which secretes hormones that control many body functions. As a craniopharyngioma slowly grows, it can affect the function of the pituitary gland and other nearby structures in the brain.Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
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Craniopharyngioma is a slow-growing, non-cancerous brain tumor that develops near the pituitary gland (a small endocrine gland at the base of the brain which produces several important hormones) and the hypothalamus (an endocrine organ which controls the release of hormones by the pituitary gland). This tumor most commonly affects...National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences
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Craniopharyngiomas are benign, extra-axial, nonglial epithelial tumors of the CNS and are seen in both children and adults. They most commonly arise within the sellar/suprasellar space. Clinically, craniopharyngiomas cause mass effect symptoms, including visual loss or symptoms of intracranial hypertension. In addition, pituitary...Athenahealth, Inc., 2019
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Craniopharyngioma, benign brain tumour arising from the pituitary gland. Although most common in children, it can occur at any age. As it grows, the tumour may compress the optic nerve and other nearby structures, causing loss of vision, headaches, vomiting, behavioral changes, endocrine disorders...Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2020
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