Craniopharyngioma treatment and diagnostics abroad

Craniopharyngioma is a benign tumour that grows from embryonic cells near the pituitary stalk. It grows slowly, but because it lies close to the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus and the optic nerves, it causes hormone problems and vision loss. It is most common in children aged 5–14 and in adults over 50.

Below are pediatric neurosurgery clinics abroad: compare their capabilities, doctors and prices.

Symptoms of craniopharyngioma

• headache, nausea and vomiting (often due to hydrocephalus);
• vision loss, loss of parts of the visual field;
• slow growth and delayed puberty, tiredness, strong thirst and frequent urination (diabetes insipidus).

Diagnosis

• contrast MRI — the size of the tumour and how it relates to nearby structures;
• CT — shows the typical calcifications;
• hormone tests and an eye exam with visual field testing.

Treatment abroad

• Surgical removal — through the skull or endoscopically through the nose (as for pituitary adenoma).
• Limited resection plus radiotherapy (including proton therapy) — lowers the risk of damage to the hypothalamus.
• Draining the cystic part and treating hydrocephalus.
• Hormone replacement therapy and follow-up by an endocrinologist.

Clinics are in the pediatric neurosurgery and pediatric oncology sections.

Send a request with MRI scans — Clinics Direct coordinators will get a neurosurgeon's opinion and a cost estimate free of charge.