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Types of Cancer > Pediatric Cancers > Craniopharyngioma > Overview
Craniopharyngioma: Overview
Neha Vapiwala, MD and John P. Plastaras, MD, PhD
Affiliation:
The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: August 22, 2007
Some Background
Almost 20% of all childhood cancers start in the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain, the spinal cord, and the surrounding fluid (cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF), lining tissues (meninges) and bone (cranium and vertebrae).
In the past several years, the incidence of pediatric CNS tumors has been increasing. This increase is partially explained by medical advances that have led to earlier detection and diagnosis of brain tumors.
There are many different types of pediatric CNS cancers, all of which have long, rather complicated names. The diagnosis typically depends on two things: 1) where in the CNS the tumor starts, or the location , and 2) how the tumor looks under a microscope, also known as the histology . Primary brain tumors are tumors that arise in the brain, while primary spinal tumors grow in the spinal cord. However, some brain tumors can spread to involve parts of the spine, and vice versa. On rare occasion, certain types of tumors can even spread to areas outside of the CNS, such as distant bones or bone marrow.
Of course, ultimately, every cancer treatment plan is individualized for every patient, and takes into account not only the stage and the clinical data, but also the goals and desires of the patient and his or her family.
What is a craniopharyngioma?
Craniopharyngioma is a benign* brain tumor that accounts for about 3-9% of all pediatric CNS cancers. This tumor results from abnormal overgrowth of a part of the brain called Rathke's pouch, located near the pituitary gland. It typically consists of a combination of calcium deposits mixed with cysts, or pockets, of fluid. The fluid characteristically contains protein, lipid (fat) and cholesterol pieces, giving it a so-called "crankcase oil" texture.
*Before proceeding any further, it is worthwhile to properly define and clarify some important concepts that are relevant to the subject of brain tumors.
The word tumor itself refers to an abnormal growth or mass of cells, also referred to in general terms as a "cancer".
Tumors (cancers) can be either "benign" or "malignant", depending on how "bad" the tumor cells look under a microscope. In simple terms, "benign" tumor cells have a sort of "innocent" appearance under the microscope; they usually do not have features associated with invasion or spread (metastasis) to other locations. In contrast, "malignant" tumors have cells that can, and are likely to, invade and spread, especially if left untreated.
However, it is very important to realize that a benign microscopic tumor is NOT necessarily clinically benign or innocent. Remember, a benign tumor is still a tumor, and it represents uncontrolled, inappropriate growth. Although benign tumors may not spread far beyond where they started, they can continue to grow and thus can still cause trouble from local expansion, particularly in an otherwise small, enclosed space like the brain. Pressure and obstruction from a growing mass can lead to severe neurological deficits and, worst case scenario, even death.
Who gets this tumor, and how?
Craniopharyngiomas can occur in both children and adults, with a peak in incidence at 9 to 14 years of age. In fact, more than 50% of patients are under the age of 18 years. There is no clear association of the tumor with a particular gender or race. It is not really known what causes craniopharyngiomas, but they do not appear to "run in families" or to be directly inherited from the parents.