Publication: Malignant Transformation of Craniopharyngioma: A rare case after 32 years of follow-up
Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Craniopharyngiomas are rare, benign epithelial tumors of the sellar region,
with malignant transformation being exceedingly uncommon. We report a
case of squamous cell carcinoma arising 32 years after the initial diagnosis of
adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma. The patient underwent four surgical
resections and two courses of radiotherapy. Following seven years of stable
imaging, a rapidly enlarging lesion emerged, invading adjacent skull base
structures. Histopathological examination confirmed malignant transformation,
characterized by squamous cell carcinoma with beta-catenin positivity. This case
highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges posed by such transformation
and underscores the importance of long-term follow-up in craniopharyngioma
patients. Although radiation therapy has been speculated as a risk factor, its
causal relationship remains unproven. Malignant craniopharyngiomas carry a poor
prognosis, with limited benefit from conventional therapies. Increased awareness
and documentation of such rare cases are essential to improve understanding of
underlying mechanisms and guide future management strategies.
KEY WORDS
Craniopharyngioma, Malignant transformation, Squamous cell carcinoma,
Radiotherapy.
Description
Orhan G, Bozer A
Department of Radiology
Ministry of Health Izmir City Hospital
Izmir, Turkey
Keywords
Craniopharyngioma, Malignant transformation, Squamous cell carcinoma, Radiotherapy