Ectopic craniopharyngioma recurrence: a case report and literature review

We reported a case of ectopic recurrence of craniopharyngioma (CP) in the right temporal lobe and review the relevant literature to investigate its clinical features, pathogenesis, diagnosis and management. A 67-year-old male patient presented with blurred vision and was diagnosed with adamantinomatous CP(aCP) in the sellar region. Four years postoperatively, he developed implantation metastasis in the right temporal lobe along the surgical tract, and achieved a favorable prognosis after complete lesion resection via reoperation. Based on literature review, ectopic recurrence of CP is mainly associated with tumor cell dissemination and implantation along the surgical tract or cerebrospinal fluid spread. The adamantinomatous variant is the predominant pathological subtype.Standardized intraoperative tumor-free techniques and maximal resection of the primary lesion are the core preventive strategies, and long-term regular follow-up is mandatory for postoperative patients.