Temporal extradural ectopic craniopharyngioma

Abstract

A rare case of histologically confirmed primary craniopharyngioma at an ectopic location is presented. This cystic tumor, which had a small solid portion, was located extradurally at the right temporobasal region, and pyramidal bone erosion was observed. No evidence of involvement of the sellar or suprasellar region was found. The neuroimaging findings, surgical intervention, and histopathological features of the tumor are discussed. The authors' hypothesis regarding the extradural location of the tumor is that mismigration of squamous epithelial cell remnants of the obliterated craniopharyngeal canal had occurred.