Prevention of Craniopharyngioma
Because the cause is not well understood, prevention of the initial development of craniopharyngioma is really impossible. However, effective treatment of the tumor can be essential in preventing recurrences. The tumors have a relatively high rate of recurrence, but complete surgical removal has proven to be more effective in preventing regrowth of the tumor than either a partial resectioning or radiation treatment. Recurrence rates are 0%-17% with surgical removal, while those rates rise to 25%-63% with partial removal and/or radiation treatment. In either case, regular CT scans and MRI post treatment are indicated both to check for a regrowth of the tumor and for hormone deficiencies that can stem from both the tumor itself and from the treatment.