Craniopharyngioma originating in the sphenoid bone

Abstract

✓ A case of craniopharyngioma originating in the sphenoid bone is presented. The tumor probably originated in the midline from epithelial cell rests along the path of the involuted craniopharyngeal duct. There was bone invasion and destruction of the floor of the middle fossa with intradural extension of tumor into the left temporal lobe. Survival from onset of symptoms was 37 years. Irradiation probably played a significant part in this patient's long survival. Modern techniques now in use might achieve cures with surgically unresectable intrasphenoidal craniopharyngiomas.