Adult Versus Paediatric Craniopharyngiomas: Which Differences?

Despite some apparent similarities several differences exist between adult and paediatric craniopharyngiomas starting from the histology. Papillary CPs occur almost exclusively in adults, whereas adamantinomatous CPs can occur in a bimodal age distribution but have been found in any age group. Adamantinomatous CPs tend to be more complicated lesions consisting of large cysts, areas of calcifications and can form strong adhesions to surrounding neurovascular structures. Moreover, children have a unique set of physiological and anatomical factors that can restrict surgical access. They also tend to fair less favourably in long-term outcomes. In this chapter we will discuss these points in an attempt to compare and contrast paediatric and adult craniopharyngiomas.