The medical condition ‘craniopharyngioma’ might have just come to the knowledge of some people after popular Nigerian influencer, Dr. Chinonso Egemba better known as Aproko Doctor, recently discussed his health struggles with the rare brain tumor.
Craniopharyngiomas occur in around 0.5 to 2 people per million each year and represent around 1.2 to 4% of all intracranial tumors in children.
Although it affects persons of all ages, craniopharyngiomas are most frequently found in children and young adults.
They mostly develop in two age groups (bimodal incidence peaks): children aged 0 to 14 years and adults aged 50 to 74 years.
However, the influencer shared, among other things, how the tumor nearly took away his vision and how he was forced to have surgery to remove the tumor.
Here are 10 things to know about this rare type of noncancerous (benign) brain tumor called Craniopharyngioma.
1. Craniopharyngioma is a rare, benign brain tumor that typically develops near the pituitary gland.
2. The tumor is made up of cells that resemble those found in the lining of the brain’s ventricles, and it is usually filled with a thick, sticky fluid called keratin.
3. Symptoms of craniopharyngioma can include headaches, vision problems, and hormonal imbalances, depending on the location and size of the tumor.
4. Craniopharyngiomas are most common in children and young adults, but they can occur in people of all ages.
5. These tumors can be difficult to diagnose, as they often do not show up on imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans.
6. Treatment options for craniopharyngiomas include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
7. Surgery is the most common treatment and the goal is to remove as much of the tumor as possible, while preserving the surrounding normal brain tissue.
8. Radiation therapy is often used after surgery to help reduce the risk of tumor recurrence.
9. Craniopharyngiomas can cause long-term side effects, including hormonal imbalances, cognitive impairment, and vision loss, depending on the location and extent of the tumor.
10. Regular follow-up care is important for people with craniopharyngiomas, as the tumors can recur, even after treatment. Close monitoring and management of endocrine dysfunction will also be important for a patient’s recovery and long-term health.
