The skull.

Surgery performed on the skull where pieces of bone are removed to gain access to the brain, and the bone pieces are not replaced.

Craniopharyngiomas are intracranial tumors that are typically both cystic and solid in structure. They occur most commonly in childhood and adolescence and in later adult life after age 50 years. They account for 2-4% of primary brain tumors.

Surgery performed on the skull where a portion of bone is removed to gain access to the brain, and the bone is put back in its place.

Corticotropin releasing hormone.

A moderately severe chronic inflammation of the intestine, especially of the small intestine, of unknown cause, involving the obstruction of the lower part of the small bowel and less frequently other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. It is characterized by patchy deep ulcers that may cause abnormal passages within the bowel, and narrowing and thickening of the bowel. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, cramping abdominal pain, and weight loss.

Cerebrospinal fluid.

An x-ray device linked to a computer that produces an image of a predetermined cross-section of the brain. A special dye material may be injected into the patient's vein prior to the scan to help make any abnormal tissue more evident.

Abnormal sacs containing gas, fluid, or a semisolid material, with a membranous lining.

Relating to or producing a toxic effect on cells. Capable of killing cells.

A surgical procedure to decrease mass effect by removing a portion of a tumor or dead tissue. See mass effect.

Dexamethasone. A glucocorticosteroid medication used to reduce brain tissue swelling.

Refers to a surgical procedure during which bone, tissue, or tumor is removed to lessen intracranial pressure.

A mature cell returning to a less mature state. See differentiate, undifferentiated.

See drug delivery.