Rathke cysts, craniopharyngioma, and colloid cysts : What are the differences between these pathologies?

Abstract

Headache is the most common symptom of colloid cysts, Rathke cysts, and craniopharyngioma due to their location in the midline, being extra-axial and typically presenting in the parasellar region. Although these tumors are generally considered benign, each has its typical characteristics defined by its location and histology. These individual characteristics define whether surgery is necessary at all and if so, the preferred surgical approach and resection's totality. The histopathological findings primarily indicate that embryonic malformations-at the first glance, ectodermal in nature-cause these tumors. Due to the fact that these disturbances occur at the boundary between ectodermal stomodeum and endodermal cephalogaster, however, does leave some doubts.