A 10-year-old presents with headache and seizures. CT scan reveals a tumor that is located near the pituitary gland. Which of the following is the most likely tumor type?

Question

a. Astrocytoma
b. Craniopharyngioma
c. Ependymoma
d. Medulloblastoma

Answer 1

ANS: B
A craniopharyngioma originates from the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. Symptoms include headache, seizures, diabetes insipidus, early onset of puberty, and growth delay.
Astrocytomas are located on the surface of the right or left cerebellar hemisphere and cause uni-lateral symptoms (occurring on the same side as the tumor), such as head tilt, limb ataxia, and nystagmus. Ependymoma develops in the fourth ventricle and arises from the ependymal cells that line the ventricular system. Medulloblastoma occurs as an invasive malignant tumor that de-velops in the vermis of the cerebellum and may extend into the fourth ventricle. Because both tumors are located in the posterior fossa region along the midline, presenting signs and symptoms are similar and are usually related to hydrocephalus and increased intracranial pressure.