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Craniopharyngioma

 

 

 

Introduction and Incidence

Craniopharyngiomas are benign, partially cystic epithelial tumors4.

This tumor usually arises in the sellar region from remnants of Rathke’s pouch

Craniopharyngiomas are the most common non-glial brain tumors in children and the third most common intracranial brain tumor in children, after medulloblastomas and gliomas15:

  • Comprise 6-10% of all childhood brain tumors
  • Comprise only 1.2- 4% of brain tumors in adults
  • Peak incidences in children are between 5-14 years of age. 
  • A second peak occurs later in life, between 50-60 years of age. 
  • There is no apparent sex predilection for these tumors.

 

Incidence of craniopharyngiomas:

Incidence among children

5 - 10% (of all pediatric brain tumors)1

Incidence among adults

1.2 - 4% (of all adult tumors)1

Most common location

Suprasellar region

Proportion of suprasellar tumors that are craniopharyngiomas

50%

Peak age of incidence in children

5 - 14 years

Peak age of incidence in adults

50 - 60 years

Gender bias

None

Racial bias

None

 

 

Craniopharyngiomas are often associated with serious long term health consequences.

There is a dedicated on line support group for patients with craniopharyngiomas:

Craniopharyngioma Online Support Group

 

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