ADAMANTINOMA OF THE CRANIOPHARYNGEAL DUCT

Abstract

In the files in the neurosurgical clinic of the University of Pennsylvania are 244 cases of sellar and parasellar lesions, and of this number we have classified 14 as adamantinoma. Of these, 11 have been definitely identified histologically; in 2 the histologic picture is suggestive, and in 1 the diagnosis is based on the presence in a child of a large calcified suprasellar cyst. Erdheim¹first suggested that the squamous epithelial cells were remnants of the craniopharyngeal duct and that tumors composed of these cells were in fact duct tumors (Hypophysenganggeschwülste). Since Erdheim's contribution, in 1904, others have followed, recording isolated cases or series of cases, but there is still much uncertainty and lack of agreement as to how these duct tumors should be classified. The following classification seems to us the most satisfying: (1) adamantinomas or, preferably, ameloblastomas; (2) Rathke's pouch tumors; (3) carcinomas; (4) teratomas. The identification