subject: Craniopharyngioma Treatment In India At Mumbai And Delhi At Low Cost. [print this page] Craniopharyngioma Craniopharyngioma
Overview
Craniopharyngioma is a cancer which arises in the pituitary gland, in tissue originally found in the embryo. One of the most common childhood brain cancers, it is also sometimes called a Rathke's pouch tumor or a suprasellar cyst.
Causes and Symptoms
The cause of craniopharyngioma is not really understood, although it is believed to be primarily a congenital illness. Nests of embryonic cells exist in a part of the pituitary gland known as Rathke's pouch. In craniopharyngioma, these nests appear to contain cancerous cells which, over time, multiply and become a tumor.
General symptoms include : -
* Headaches, which may be severe and may be worse in the early morning
* Nausea and/or vomiting
* Difficulty with balance
* Increased sleepiness or fatigue
* Mood or behavior changes
Specific symptoms include: -
* Vision changes, blurriness, or loss of peripheral vision
* Excessive thirst
* Increased urination
* Slow or halted growth
* Excessive weight gain
* Early or delayed puberty
Risk Factors
A risk factor is anything that increases a persons chance of developing a tumor. Some risk factors can be controlled, such as smoking, and some cannot be controlled, such as age and family history. Although risk factors can influence the development of a tumor, most do not directly cause a tumor. Some people with several risk factors never develop a tumor, while others with no known risk factors do.
