Presentation
Visual disturbance.
Patient Data
MRI of the brain demonstrates a mass in the suprasellar region which is variegated in both T1 and T2 signal, with regions of intrinsic high T1 signal, cystic areas and solid enhancing areas.
This patient went on to have resection of the mass.
Histology
The tumour comprises solid islands, some with a fragmented and papillary outline, of well-differentiated squamous epithelium embedded in a densely collagenous and vascularised stroma, which shows patchy chronic inflammation. The tumour does not show a well-developed picket fence basal epithelial layer, and stellate reticulum-like areas and wet keratin are not identified. Focally, the tumour shows areas of haemorrhage, and there is one fragment showing haemorrhagic infarction. There is patchy infiltration by neutrophils.
DIAGNOSIS: papillary craniopharyngioma, WHO grade 1.
Case Discussion
This case demonstrates a common appearance of papillary craniopharyngioma.