Craniopharyngioma refers to a benign (not severe) tumor which grows close to the pituitary gland, a small endocrine gland at the bottom of the brain. It is commonly found in children aged between 5 and 10 years, and also sometimes in adults. Most popular symptoms of craniopharyngioma include increased pressure on the brain causing headache, vomiting and nausea; malfunctioning of the pituitary gland causing hormone imbalances, stunted growth and excessive urination; and damage to the optic nerve causing vision problems. Surgery is the most reasonable treatment for craniopharyngioma, if also accompanied with radiation treatment or a smaller surgery for severe forms of tumors; for instance, stereotactic radiosurgery.
