Craniopharyngioma

To evaluate craniopharyngioma patients based on clinical, radiological, operative features, and outcome, and to assess the role and effectiveness of bleomycin for cystic craniopharyngiomas.Craniopharygiomas are rare epithelial tumors arising along the path of the craniopharyngeal duct. They may be diagnosed during childhood or adult life and are often associated with an enigmatic and unpredictable growth pattern. Despite their benign histological appearance, their often infiltrative tendency into critical suprasellar structures and their aggressive behavior, even after apparently successful therapy, may result in significant morbidity and mortality posing a considerable medical and social problem.Nearly a century has passed, and despite advances in our basic science understanding, cell biology, genetics, biologic behavior and technological capabilities, there still remain controversy in the optimal management of craniopharyngiomas, as comprehensively summarized in a statement by J. Ruthka: “There is perhaps no other primary brain tumor that evokes more passion, emotion, and as a result, controversy than does the craniopharyngioma”.