Extensive ossification in a craniopharyngioma.

ABSTRACT

A rare extensive ossification occurred in a suprasellar craniopharyngioma of a man who died at 21 years of age. The tumor produced headache, retarded physical and mental development, visual disturbances, and increased intracranial pressure. The neoplasm recurred after surgical and roentgenological treatments. Differentiation of multipotential mesenchymal cells or mesenchymal type cells within the tumor has been suggested as the mode of occurrence of bone in this craniopharyngioma.