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Papillary craniopharyngioma

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Visual disturbance.

Patient Data

Age: 40 years
Gender: Male

MRI brain

mri

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 tumor comprises solid islands,  some with a fragmented and papillary outline, of well-differentiated squamous epithelium embedded in a densely collagenous and vascularized stroma,   which shows patchy chronic inflammation. The tumor does not show a well-developed picket fence basal epithelial layer, and stellate reticulum-like areas and wet keratin are not identified. Focally,  the tumor shows areas of hemorrhage,  and there is one fragment showing hemorrhagic infarction. There is patchy infiltration by neutrophils.  

 DIAGNOSIS: papillary craniopharyngioma, WHO grade 1.

Case Discussion

This case demonstrates a common appearance of papillary craniopharyngioma

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