Craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngioma represents a major challenge for neurosurgeons, pediatricians, and endocrinologists. This so-called benign tumor is a real threat to quality of life and life itself. This book discusses the various therapeutic strategies and suggests multimodal treatment approaches, including microsurgery, stereotaxis, and alternative treatments. The rationale for choice of therapy is supported by biological, clinical, and neuroradiological data and therapeutic results of a large series of case studies from all over the world are reported. Finally, guidelines for further development and new topics for research and treatment are offered.

Neuropathology of Craniopharyngioma. - Neuroradiology of Craniopharyngiomas. - Craniopharyngioma in Children: Surgical Considerations. - Radical Removal of Craniopharyngiomas 1971 1991. - Direct Microsurgery of Craniopharyngiomas: A Review of the Series of the Istituto Neurologico of Milan, Italy. - Surgical Craniopharyngioma Treatment. - Surgical Management of Craniopharyngiomas from 1976 to 1992: Problems and Results. - Some Problems of Craniopharyngioma Treatment. - Role of the Transsphenoidal Approach in the Surgical Treatment of Craniopharyngiomas. - Surgical Treatment of Craniopharyngiomas. - Therapeutic Role of Intracavitary Bleomycin Administration in Cystic Craniopharyngioma. - Gamma Knife Radiosurgery and Intracystic Colloidal Isotope Treatment of Craniopharyngiomas. - Three-Dimensional Dosimetry for LINAC-Based Radiosurgery and Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy of Craniopharyngiomas. - Endocrine Tests and Hormonal Therapy in Craniopharyngioma. - Concluding Remarks.