Craniopharyngiomas are histologically benign and do not metastasize to remote brain locations or to areas outside the sellar region except by direct extension. They may be invasive, however, and may recur locally. They may be classified as adamantinomous or squamous papillary, with the former being the predominant form in children.[1] They are typically composed of both a solid portion with an abundance of calcification, and a cystic component which is filled with a dark, oily fluid. These tumors do not spread outside of the sellar region except by direct extension and may invade adjacent structures with finger-like projections, which accounts for recurrence after apparent total surgical removal.

References

1. Miller DC: Pathology of craniopharyngiomas: clinical import of pathological findings. Pediatr Neurosurg 21 (Suppl 1): 11-7, 1994.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   

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