[Craniopharyngioma. Recurrence]

A historical note on craniopharyngiomas is set forth which deals both with the authors who first described such tumors and the first attempts at extirpation. The current concept of Craniopharyngioma and its origins are described as well as its histopathological classification from a macroscopic and microscopic point of view. Emphasis is made on the problem that, despite being and encapsulated tumor (thus benign) its prognosis is severe due to its location and easy expansion that affects neighbouring anatomic structures such as: Optic chiasm, hypophysis, III ventricle, the frontal horn of one or both lateral ventricle, hypothalamus and brain stem. This gives rise to a variety of clinical presentations: neuro-ophthalmological pathology, endocrine pathology, brain stem pathology and hydrocephalia which is generally asymmetric due to an obstruction in the foramen of Monro. The possibility of recurrence also shadows the prognosis of such tumors, making it one of the most important problems the faced by neurosurgeon. A lot of attention is paid to the clinical and neuro-radiological diagnosis as well as to the various treatments. We coincide with a number of authors who consider that surgery is preferable to radical exeresis. Surgery can be complemented, especially when the total extirpation of the tumor is not possible, with other therapies, such as external radiotherapy and radiosurgery. A case of is presented of mixed type Craniopharingioma with recurrence and a survival of 17 years. We mention its clinical presentation and the different treatments applied. We finalize with some conclusions on the attitude of the clinician regarding Craniopharyngiomas and their recurrence.