A craniopharyngioma is a brain tumor arising from pituitary embryonic tissue. It is typically suprasellar and has solid and cystic components. Age of onset can occur in childhood (about age 5-15) or adulthood (about age 50-70). There are adamantinomatous, papillary, and mixed types. Adamantinomatous tumors are more common in children and papillary tumors are more common in adults. A Rathke cleft cyst may develop from Rathke pouch if the pouch does not close normally.

Craniopharyngiomas are usually slow growing, and symptoms arise from compression of surrounding structures or increased intracranial pressure. Presenting symptoms include visual loss (most commonly superior temporal quadrantanopsia), headache, hormonal imbalances leading to delayed puberty in children, amenorrhea, hypersomnia, diabetes insipidus, and/or decreased libido. These tumors are usually benign with a good prognosis, but often recur when resection is incomplete.