Classification of craniopharyngioma

Abstract

Craniopharyngioma is a kind of common benign intracranial tumor. Craniopharyngioma may originate anywhere in the pituitary stalk. The different origin sites of the tumor are related to its growth pattern, and the relationship between tumor and the suprasellar structures including vessels and nerves. At present, there are many different classifications of craniopharyngioma, which based on the origin of the tumor, anatomical location, and imaging characteristics. By reviewing and analyzing different classifications of craniopharyngioma, we attempt to analyze the relationship between tumor origin, growth pattern, imaging characteristics and microstructure. It was attempted to analyze the tumor origin and determine the adhesion with the surrounding structures by imaging characteristics, so as to guide the surgical method and prognosis.

Keywords

• craniopharyngioma
• pituitary gland
• hypothalamus
• neuroanatomy
• review