craniopharyngioma

tumor

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Article History

Related Topics:: nervous system disease; tumour; brain; nervous system disease

See all related content

craniopharyngioma, benign brain tumour arising from the pituitary gland. Although most common in children, it can occur at any age. As it grows, the tumour may compress the optic nerve and other nearby structures, causing loss of vision, headaches, vomiting, behavioral changes, endocrine disorders, and sometimes loss of the sense of smell. Surgical removal of the tumour is often necessary.