Craniopharyngiomas in children and adults

✓ The records of 51 patients with craniopharyngiomas were reviewed to compare the clinical features of the tumor in children and adults, to weigh the results of radical removal of the neoplasm, and to evaluate the benefit of postoperative radiation therapy. Signs and symptoms in the two age groups differed modestly. Endocrine abnormalities and visual field deficits were recognized more often in adults, whereas skull films were more likely to be abnormal in children. Six patients underwent radical removal of tumor. All have returned to normal life and remain free of recurrence. When tumor removal was incomplete, recurrence was common, appearing earlier in the younger patients. The administration of postoperative radiotherapy following partial removal of tumor appeared to delay recurrence in both age groups.