Craniopharyngioma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Craniopharyngioma?
A neurosurgeon, a brain surgeon, usually treats craniopharyngioma. An endocrinologist, a hormone doctor, and an eye doctor often help too. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is craniopharyngioma?
A craniopharyngioma is usually a noncancerous (benign) tumor. It develops at the base of the brain near the pituitary gland.
Doctors call these tumors benign but locally aggressive. They are very rare. They account for about 2 to 3 percent of all brain tumors.
Symptoms
A craniopharyngioma causes symptoms by pressing on the brain, disrupting hormone production, or pressing on or damaging the optic nerve. Increased pressure on the brain can cause:
- Headache.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting, especially in the morning.
- Change in appetite and weight.
- Confusion and drowsiness.
Damage to the pituitary gland causes hormone imbalances. These can lead to excessive thirst and urination, and slow growth.
When the optic nerve is damaged, vision problems develop. These problems are often permanent. They may get worse after surgery. Behavioral and learning problems may be present.
Symptoms depend on the location and size of the tumor.
Causes and who gets it
The exact cause is unknown. There are no known risk factors.
The tumor most often affects children from 5 to 14 years of age. Adults 50 to 74 years can sometimes be affected. Boys and girls are equally likely to get it.
How doctors diagnose it
Your provider will do a physical exam. Tests are done to check for a tumor. They may include:
- Blood tests to measure hormone levels.
- A CT scan and MRI scan of the brain.
- An exam of the nervous system.
- Testing your vision.
A CT scan can show calcifications within the tumor.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms. This tumor is best treated at a center with experience in treating craniopharyngiomas.
Surgery to remove the tumor is the preferred first treatment for most patients. Radiation treatment instead of surgery, or along with a smaller surgery, may be the best choice for some people.
In some people, a shunt may be placed to treat the hydrocephalus. Hormone replacement, short-term or long-term, might be needed.
After treatment, there may be long-term hormone, vision, and nervous system problems. Follow-up includes yearly MRIs and hormone testing. If the tumor returns, it will most often come back within the first 2 years after surgery.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you have headaches, nausea, vomiting, or balance problems. These can be signs of increased pressure on the brain. Also contact your provider if a child is failing to keep up in school. Weight loss or gain is another reason to call.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room for a seizure, fainting, a sudden change in vision, new confusion, trouble waking up, or a severe headache with vomiting that keeps happening.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can look into new headaches or vision changes and arrange a scan or a referral. They can also help coordinate follow-up with your care team.
Common questions
Is craniopharyngioma cancer?
Usually not. It is usually a noncancerous (benign) tumor.
Is craniopharyngioma curable?
Often, yes. There is an 80% to 90% chance of a cure at 10 years if the tumor can be completely removed with surgery or treated with high doses of radiation. In general, the outlook is good.
Do hormone and vision problems go away with treatment?
Often they do not. Most hormone and vision problems do not improve with treatment, and sometimes treatment may make them worse.
How common is craniopharyngioma?
It is very rare. Roughly two in every 1,000,000 people have it.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
