Imaging of Monstrous Craniopharyngioma: A Pictorial Essay

Craniopharyngioma is usually a mixed solid and cystic suprasellar tumor, which usually occurs in children and adults in the fourth and fifth decades of life. the tumors are histologically benign and slow growing, but focal invasion and peritumoral fibrosis leads to high tumoral recurrence after surgery.we had 11 patients admitted with different symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting and visual loss in whom extensive craniopharyngioma was proved after surgery. in some patients, primary imaging studies were reviewed. in others who presented with new onset symptoms several years after surgery, brain ct scan and mri studies were performed. on brain ct scan of most cases, a mixed cystic and solid suprasellar mass with calcifications in both solid and cystic parts was detected. in this article, we present some cases of large craniopharyngioma with interesting extensions and invasions to adjacent brain structures.