craniopharyngioma
Pronunciation: kray-nee-oh-fair-in-jee-OH-mah
A benign epithelial tumor arising from remnants of Rathke's pouch, typically located in the sellar/suprasellar region.
Full Definition
Craniopharyngioma is a benign but locally aggressive epithelial tumor that develops from remnants of Rathke's pouch, the embryonic structure that gives rise to the anterior pituitary. Two main histological variants exist: adamantinomatous and papillary types. The adamantinomatous variant shows characteristic features including palisaded epithelium, stellate reticulum, wet keratin, and cholesterol crystals with associated giant cell reaction. The papillary variant consists of well-differentiated squamous epithelium without keratinization. These tumors commonly cause endocrine dysfunction and visual field defects due to their suprasellar location.
Usage
Usage note: Two distinct variants with different age distributions; adamantinomatous type more common in children.
In Context
- "The adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma showed typical wet keratin and cholesterol clefts with surrounding giant cells." — Pathology report
- "Papillary craniopharyngioma was diagnosed based on the well-differentiated squamous epithelium without keratinization." — Neuropathology consultation