Temporobasal Large Craniopharyngioma; A Case Report and Review of The Literature

Introduction: Craniopharyngiomas (CP) account for 1.2% to 3% of all intracranial tumors and although are considered typical in childhood period, almost one- half of the cases are found in adults. Craniopharyngiomas are generally believed to arise from the rests of squamous epithelial cells located on the pituitary stalk. They arise from squamous epithelial remnants of the obliterated craniopharyngeal canal, which represents the path taken by Rathke's pouch from the oropharynx to the floor of the third ventricle, we report a unique case of large cranipharyngioma in unusual location , extending in whole temporal lobe and basal cisterns.Case Report: A 75 - year old- woman was hospitalized because of progressive right hand and leg weakness and with diminished verbal functions for 3 months. Neurologic examination revealed a might right hemiparesia and a mixt type aphasia. MR imaging demonstrated a large tumor arising from the left temporal basal region with a cystic component. Tumor was removed totally, with left transsilvian approach. There were no new postoperative neurological deficits. Histological examination revealed a typical adamantinous craniopharyngioma.Disscussion: Cranipharyngiomas are developed from squamous epithelial rests along remmants are present frequently in the pars tuberalis, posterior wall of the pharynx and sphenoid bone. They located in unusual sites have been reported previously posterior fossa. Third ventricle and temporal lobe.