The Role of Genetic Mutations in CTNNB1 and APC Genes on the Craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngioma occurs in about 0.5 to 2 per million people each year and has a bimodal distribution, 5 to 14 years and 50 to 74 years. Many experts consider craniopharyngioma to be a chronic disease because it tends to recur even when completely surgically removed. The tumor itself is usually not dangerous, as it is benign and rarely becomes malignant. However, the location of the tumor is such that it can compress the pituitary gland, leading to hormonal dysfunction. There are two types of craniopharyngiomas: adamantiomatous and papillary. The former occurs more commonly in children, while the latter is more common in adults. Adamantiomatous craniopharyngiomas arise from cells in an embryonic structure called the craniopharyngeal canal. They can be solid or form a hollow (cystic) structure filled with a dark brown to black fluid (similar to motor oil) and are often calcified. Papillary craniopharyngiomas are rarer and arise from cells in the anterior pituitary gland. They are usually wellcircumscribed and can also be solid or cystic, although they are filled with a yellow, viscous fluid. Craniopharyngioma is caused by abnormalities of mbryonic tissue in the sellar and parasellar regions. Adamantiomatous craniopharyngioma, which occurs more frequently in children, and papillary craniopharyngioma, which occurs more frequently in adults, have different embryonic origins.