Craniopharyngioma

A slow growing tumor near the pituitary gland and the nerves for sight.

What a craniopharyngioma is

This tumor grows near the bottom of the brain, close to the pituitary tumor gland and to the nerves that carry sight.

It is not cancer and it grows slowly. It often has fluid-filled pockets, called cysts, mixed in with solid parts.

Why its neighbours matter

The trouble it causes comes from what is next to it. It does not spread.

Pressure on the sight nerves can change vision. Pressure on the pituitary can change hormones. In children that can affect growth. At any age it can affect energy, thirst or weight.

So care often needs an eye doctor and a hormone doctor as well as the surgeon. Hormone checks can go on for years.

What to ask your team

• Has my vision been tested?
• Which hormones are affected now?
• Who will follow my hormones long term?