Overview By Mayo Clinic Staff Print Craniopharyngioma is a rare type of noncancerous brain tumor. Craniopharyngioma begins as a growth of cells near the brain's pituitary gland. The pituitary gland makes hormones that control many body functions. As a craniopharyngioma slowly grows, it can affect the pituitary gland and other nearby structures in the brain. Craniopharyngioma can happen at any age, but it occurs most often in children and older adults. Symptoms include changes in vision over time, fatigue, headaches and urinating more often. Children with craniopharyngioma may grow slowly and may be smaller than expected. Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment Aug. 19, 2025 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Living with craniopharyngioma? Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Brain Tumor support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, a patient community. Brain Tumor Discussions Share Your Brain Tumor type & Years since Diagnosis 57 Replies Tue, Mar 31, 2026 chevron-right What exactly happens before, during and after a Craniotomy? 48 Replies Mon, Mar 30, 2026 chevron-right Craniotomy in 9 days: What can I expect? 28 Replies Sat, Mar 21, 2026 chevron-right See more discussions Show references Ferri FF. Craniopharyngioma. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2023. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 28, 2023. Harsh GR, et al. Craniopharyngioma. https://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed April 28, 2023. Childhood craniopharyngioma treatment (PDQ) – Patient version. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/types/brain/patient/child-cranio-treatment-pdq. Accessed April 28, 2023. Winn HR, ed. Pediatric craniopharyngiomas. In: Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery. 8th ed. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 28, 2023. Craniopharyngioma. Cancer.Net. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/craniopharyngioma-childhood/view-all. Accessed April 28, 2023. Related Associated Procedures Brachytherapy Brain CT scan Brain magnetic resonance imaging Brain stereotactic radiosurgery Brain tumor surgery Craniotomy CT scan Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) MRI Neurological examinations Proton therapy Radiation therapy Transsphenoidal X-ray Show more associated procedures Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic CraniopharyngiomaSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatmentDoctors&departments Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. NEW: Mayo Clinic Guide to Better Sleep Listen to Health Matters Podcast Mayo Clinic on Incontinence The Essential Diabetes Book FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20198286 Diseases & Conditions Craniopharyngioma