Hearing the words "brain tumor" can be frightening, but it's important to know that craniopharyngioma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor . While it doesn't spread to other parts of the body and grows slowly, this tumor is quite "fussy" because it's located near the pituitary gland, the body's hormone control center.
This tumor originates from fetal tissue left over from when we were still in the womb. Although it can affect anyone, craniopharyngioma is most often found in children, adolescents, and adults.
What are the symptoms?
Because of its proximity to the optic nerve and hormone centers, the symptoms that appear are usually related to pressure on this area:
- Visual Disturbances: Double vision or loss of peripheral vision (like seeing through a tunnel).
- Hormonal Problems: Children may experience growth retardation (short stature), while adults may experience menstrual cycle disorders or decreased sexual desire.
- Headache & Nausea: Frequent dizziness accompanied by vomiting.
- Behavioral Changes: Becoming easily tired, lethargic, or having difficulty concentrating.
- Excessive Thirst: Feeling thirsty frequently and urinating frequently.
How did it happen?
To date, experts are still unsure of the exact cause. This disease is not caused by lifestyle or environmental factors , but rather arises naturally from the remaining tissue of the pituitary gland. Therefore, this disease cannot be prevented, but it is highly treatable if detected early.
Risks and Complications
If not treated immediately, an enlarging tumor can press on important parts of the brain and cause:
- Lifelong hormone deficiency.
- Obesity (overweight) that is difficult to control.
- Fluid buildup in the brain (hydrocephalus).
- Memory and learning disorders.
How do EMC Tangerang Hospital Doctors Determine the Correct Diagnosis?
To confirm whether it is a craniopharyngioma, the doctor will usually do:
- Q&A & Physical Check: Checks for visual symptoms and signs of hormonal disorders.
- Brain Photo (MRI/CT Scan): See the position and size of the tumor clearly.
- Blood Check: Check for disturbed hormone levels.
- Eye Test: Find out the extent to which the tumor is pressing on the visual nerve.
Treatment Steps
The primary focus of treatment is to remove the tumor while maintaining the patient's quality of life. Options include:
- Surgery: The primary step in removing a tumor. The technique depends on the location of the tumor.
- Radiation Therapy: Performed if the tumor cannot be completely removed through surgery.
- Hormone Therapy: Because the central hormone glands are disturbed, patients usually require hormone supplements to maintain normal body functions.
- Routine Controls: Long-term monitoring is essential to ensure the tumor does not grow back.
The Good News: Treatment of this disease involves a complete team of experts, from neurosurgeons to Consultant Neuroanesthesiologists, anesthesiologists who specialize in anesthesia services for neurosurgery, to ensure patients receive the best care according to JCI (Joint Commission International) international standards.
EMC Tangerang Hospital offers superior head health services, specifically the treatment of craniopharyngioma . Our neurosurgeons are ready to assist with the latest medical technology and safe, minimally invasive procedures. We are here not only as a medical team, but as a companion on your journey of recovery, from initial examination to complete recovery.
This article was written by Dr. I Gde Anom Ananta, Sp.BS (Neurosurgeon Specialist at EMC Hospital, Tangerang).