D35.3: Benign neoplasm: Craniopharyngeal duct

When there is abnormal growth of tissue in an organ, then this is also referred to as a tumor. The tissue in the body is made up of cells. A tumor disorder involves the cells multiplying more than normal. This results in abnormal or excess tissue forming. A tumor can be benign or malignant. The tumor you have is benign. Benign tumors do not destroy the healthy tissue and do not spread throughout the body.

Some people have a small duct in their head. This duct is very near to the pituitary gland. It emerges when the head develops prior to birth. Normally, this duct recedes by the time you are born and closes up. Some people still have this duct even after birth.

This small duct in the head is very near to the pituitary gland. If a tumor forms in this duct, then this can press on the pituitary gland, brain or nerves. A tumor near the pituitary gland can therefore cause visual disturbances, a headache or vomiting. A tumor in this duct can also alter the work of the pituitary gland, which results in too many or two few hormones (messenger substances) being produced. This can cause body growth or sex hormones to be different than normal. Then hair growth and your voice can be changed.

However, it is also possible that you will have no symptoms at all.