An Atypical Rare Case of Extracranial Craniopharyngioma

Abstract

We present a case of a purely extracranial, infrasellar craniopharyngioma that initially presented as a mass in nose and nasopharynx. Craniopharyngiomas are usually located within the sella. Purely infrasellar craniopharyngiomas have only rarely been reported in the literature. A 55-year-old man presented with 8-month history of progressive headache and epistaxis. Rhinoscopy revealed polypoidal mass in both the nasal cavities and nasopharynx. Pre-operative biopsy suggested Craniopharyngioma. A battery of tests necessary for the diagnosis of Craniopharyngioma was done which excluded other possibilities. Surgical resection was done and histopathology thereafter was confirmatory of Craniopharyngioma. Adjuvant radiotherapy was given to the patient. The patient is doing well. The Rathke’s pouch arises from the roof of the primitive mouth and grows toward the brain at the fourth week of gestation. Normally, it loses its attachment with the stomadeum completely by the eighth week of gestation. The craniopharyngeal canal (CPC) extends from the floor of the sella to the vomer and may rarely give rise to ectopic craniopharyngiomas. This case shows that such ectopic tumors may arise anywhere along the CPC. We are documenting this case as an atypical rare case of craniopharyngioma probably originating from tooth primordia.