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Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
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Ency. home > Disease > C > Craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngioma   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment

Symptoms

The most frequent signs are a result of increased pressure on the brain (intracranial pressure) as well as hormone imbalances due to the tumor growth disrupting function of the pituitary gland.

Most patients have visual defects of varying degrees at diagnosis, and most patients have some hormone deficit at diagnosis. Hormone imbalances can result in excessive thirst and urination (diabetes insipidus) and stunted growth.

The signs and symptoms of increased pressure on the brain (headache, nausea, vomiting, difficulty with balance) are what usually cause patients to seek medical attention.

Signs and Tests

  • CT scan and/or MRI scan of the brain
  • a thorough neurological examination
  • a battery of endocrine (hormone) evaluations to look for any imbalances

Ency. home > Disease > C > Craniopharyngioma

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