Post-operative implantation metastasis of craniopharyngioma: a case report

Craniopharyngiomas are histologically benign epithelial tumours arising from squamous epithelial remnants of Rathke's pouch, which have a tendency to invade surrounding structures and recur after apparently complete resection. They represent the most frequent non-glial tumour in children, accounting for approximately 5% of paediatric brain neoplasms. Total resection of a craniopharyngioma may be difficult, and recurrence has been reported in 25-70% of patients. Recurrence often occurs at the primary site, although a few cases of ectopic recurrence along surgical or needle tracts have been reported. Here a case of metastatic adamantinomatous-type craniopharyngioma attributed to direct implantation by surgical procedure is presented, along with a review of the current literature on craniopharyngiomas.