obsolete adult craniopharyngioma

Common Signs and Symptoms of Adult Craniopharyngioma

Adult craniopharyngioma, a rare type of noncancerous brain tumor, can cause a range of symptoms due to its location near the pituitary gland. While these symptoms may vary in severity and presentation, here are some common signs to be aware of:

• Vision problems: Changes in vision, such as blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision, can occur when the tumor presses against the optic nerve [1].
• Endocrine dysfunction: Symptoms related to endocrine dysfunction, including high intracranial pressure, visual field defect, and hypothalamic-pituitary deficiencies, are common in adult patients with craniopharyngioma [10][12][13].
• Headaches: Headaches can be a symptom of craniopharyngioma due to the tumor's mass effect on surrounding brain tissue [4][14].
• Balance problems and confusion: Balance problems, confusion, mood swings, or behavior changes can occur when the tumor affects communication between the brain and pituitary gland [3][6].
• Increased thirst and urination: Symptoms such as increased thirst and urination can be related to endocrine dysfunction caused by the tumor's disruption of signaling along the pituitary stalk [6].
• Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting can occur due to the tumor's mass effect on surrounding brain tissue [4].

Important Considerations

It is essential to note that these symptoms may be subtle, especially when the tumor is small. As a result, diagnosis may not occur until symptoms progress or worsen over time [5]. If you experience any of these symptoms persistently or worsening, it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.

References

[1] Craniopharyngioma symptoms are linked to conditions that happen when something affects your or your child’s pituitary and hypothalamus glands, optic nerves and brain. In children, growth and development can be affected, which can be more obvious than when a craniopharyngioma occurs in adults.

[3] Balance problems, confusion, mood swings, or behavior changes can occur when the tumor affects communication between the brain and pituitary gland.

[4] Headaches can be a symptom of craniopharyngioma due to the tumor's mass effect on surrounding brain tissue.

[5] Symptoms may be subtle, especially when the tumor is small. As a result, diagnosis may not occur until symptoms progress or worsen over time.

[6] Increased thirst and urination can be related to endocrine dysfunction caused by the tumor's disruption of signaling along the pituitary stalk.

[10] The main clinical symptoms of patients with craniopharyngioma include high intracranial pressure, visual field defect, endocrine dysfunction, and hypothalamic-pituitary deficiencies.

[12] The main clinical symptoms of patients with craniopharyngioma include high intracranial pressure, visual field defect, endocrine dysfunction, and hypothalamic-pituitary deficiencies.

[13] Clinical manifestations are related to hypothalamic/pituitary deficiencies, visual impairment, and increased intracranial pressure.

[14] Craniopharyngiomas may manifest with symptoms related to mass effect (e.g., headache, visual loss), hydrocephalus, or endocrine derangements (e.g., stunted growth).

Diagnostic Tests for Adult Craniopharyngioma

Adult craniopharyngiomas can be challenging to diagnose, and a combination of laboratory and imaging tests are typically used to confirm the presence of this rare tumor. Here are some diagnostic tests that may be used:

• Imaging tests: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and/or Computed Tomography (CT) scans are commonly used to reveal the size and precise location of the craniopharyngioma [8][9]. MRI is considered the gold standard for diagnosing craniopharyngiomas, as it provides detailed images of the brain and surrounding tissues [5].
• Laboratory tests: Hormone testing may be done to look for hormone deficiencies, such as thyroid deficiency, growth hormone deficiency, adrenal insufficiency, and other abnormalities [3]. Visual field testing can also be performed to assess any deficits caused by the craniopharyngioma's compression or damage to the optic nerves.
• Neurological exam: A neurological exam may be conducted to test vision, hearing, balance, and other functions that may be affected by the tumor.

It is essential to note that craniopharyngiomas can grow slowly over time, and symptoms may not appear until the tumor has grown large enough to cause problems. In some cases, diagnosis may only occur after a combination of laboratory and imaging tests have been performed [9].

References:

[3] - Hormone testing is usually done to look for hormone deficiencies, like thyroid deficiency, growth hormone deficiency, adrenal insufficiency, and other abnormalities. [5] - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are the best tools for diagnosing a craniopharyngioma. An MRI uses magnetic fields and radio-frequency waves to create an ... [8] - Imaging tests—magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or computed tomography (CT) scans—can reveal the size and precise location of the craniopharyngioma. [9] - Oct 3, 2024. Diagnosis will typically involve laboratory and imaging tests.

Treatment Options for Adult Craniopharyngiomas

Adult craniopharyngiomas are rare brain tumors that can be challenging to treat. While surgery and radiation therapy have been the mainstay of treatment, recent advances in molecular pathogenesis have led to the emergence of new medical therapeutic options.

• BRAF/MEK Inhibitor Combination Therapy: Case reports have described dramatic responses of papillary craniopharyngioma to treatment with dabrafenib and trametinib, a BRAF/MEK inhibitor combination. This suggests that other BRAF-MEK inhibitor combinations may also be effective in treating this type of tumor [8][15].
• Bleomycin Chemotherapy: Bleomycin is a chemotherapy drug used for the treatment of cystic craniopharyngiomas. It has been shown to be effective in reducing tumor size and improving symptoms in some patients [6].
• Targeted Therapy Medicines: Targeted therapy medicines, such as binimetinib or tocilizumab, have been administered to patients with adult-onset craniopharyngioma, showing promise in treating this condition [4][5].

Long-term Outcomes

A study of 91 patients with adult-onset craniopharyng