Nasopharyngeal craniopharyngioma

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Neurosurgery
• Pathology

Background:

• Cranipharyngiomas are rare tumors typically arising in the suprasellar region.
• Nasopharyngeal location of cranipharyngiomas is exceptionally uncommon.
• These tumors can present with varied symptoms depending on their location and size.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report two rare cases of cranipharyngiomas primarily located in the nasopharynx.
• To highlight diagnostic features and discuss treatment options for this unusual presentation.

Main Methods:

• Case report analysis of two patients with nasopharyngeal masses.
• Diagnostic procedures included imaging and histological confirmation.
• Surgical intervention involved a transpalatal approach for marsupialization.

Main Results:

• Both tumors were cystic, exhibiting leakage of brownish fluid, which aided diagnosis.
• Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of cranipharyngioma.
• Marsupialization via a transpalatal approach was successfully performed in both cases.

Conclusions:

• Nasopharyngeal cranipharyngiomas, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of nasopharyngeal masses.
• The cystic nature and characteristic fluid are key diagnostic indicators.
• Transpalatal marsupialization is an effective treatment modality for these specific cases.