[Etiology, histopathological picture and clinical presentation of craniopharyngioma]

Craniopharyngioma is a rare, benign, suprasellar brain tumour accounting for about 1 to 3% of all intracranial neoplasms. Patients most often present with findings associated with ventricular outflow obstruction causing hydrocephalus, optic chiasm compression resulting in visual dysfunction and intracranial hypertension leading to headaches. Because of the proximity of the tumour to the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, many patients suffering from this tumour exhibit significant endocrine dysfunction. In this paper, the authors review different aspects of pathology, and clinical presentation of the craniopharyngiomas. Particular attention is paid to the results of the studies published in the recent years.