[Craniopharyngiomas. Clinicopathological aspects in different age groups]

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Endocrinology
• Pathology

Context:

• Craniopharyngiomas are rare tumors arising from Rathke's pouch remnants in the hypothalamo-pituitary region.
• These tumors represent 0.13 per 100,000 person-years incidence and frequently occur in the suprasellar area, impacting neurological and hormonal functions.

Purpose:

• This study retrospectively analyzed clinical, imaging, and pathological characteristics of 32 patients treated for craniopharyngioma over 10 years.
• The aim was to evaluate differences in presentation, treatment, and outcomes across various age groups.

Summary:

• The study identified distinct clinical presentations based on age: visual impairment in early and middle-onset groups, and cognitive changes in the late-onset group. Headaches were common across all groups.
• Pathological analysis revealed adamantinomatous type in 92.6% and papillary type in 7.4% of cases. Complete tumor resection was associated with a better prognosis.
• Surgical treatment was primary for 84.4% of patients, with varying degrees of tumor removal. Recurrence rates and mortality were also documented.

Impact:

• Understanding age-specific presentations aids in earlier diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies for craniopharyngioma patients.
• This research highlights the importance of complete surgical resection for improved outcomes and provides insights into the rare papillary subtype.
• The findings contribute to the neuro-oncological understanding of craniopharyngiomas, informing clinical practice and future research directions.