Current Management of Craniopharyngiomas

• Published in: Current treatment options in allergy Vol. 7; no. 3; pp. 347 - 355
• Main Authors: Grewal, Maeher, Spielman, Daniel B., Overdevest, Jonathan B., Otten, Marc, Bruce, Jeffrey, Gudis, David A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.09.2020; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Allergology; Brain cancer; Cerebrospinal fluid; Diabetes; Endoscopy; Family Medicine; General Practice; Hemorrhage; Hydrocephalus; Hypothalamus; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Meningitis; Morbidity; Neoplasia; Obesity; Patients; Pediatric Dermatology and Allergy (J Lee; Pediatrics; Pituitary; Radiation therapy; Section Editor; Surgery; Surgical outcomes; Topical Collection on Pediatric Dermatology and Allergy; Tumors; Weight control; Endoscopic skull base surgery; Craniopharyngioma; Skull base tumor
• ISSN: 2196-3053; 2196-3053
• DOI: 10.1007/s40521-020-00267-7

Purpose of review This paper reviews the current management of craniopharyngioma tumors with a focus on surgical treatment options. Recent findings Advances in transnasal endoscopic skull base surgery and proton therapy have altered the management options available for this challenging condition. Summary Craniopharyngiomas are benign suprasellar tumors that originate from Rathke’s pouch. These complex lesions may cause major neurologic, endocrine, and visual deficits. Treatment modalities include endoscopic transnasal versus open transcranial surgery to achieve gross total or subtotal resection. Various forms of radiation therapy are often integral to comprehensive management of craniopharyngiomas. This article reviews current treatment modalities and surgical risks, highlighting differences between endoscopic versus transcranial surgical approaches.