The pituitary gland sits in a bony compartment (called the sella turcica) at the base of the skull and secretes substances, such as growth hormone, prolactin, and adrenocorticotropin hormone, which serve a variety of essential hormonal and metabolic functions. Tumors of the pituitary gland are...

Within the brain there are several ventricles, or cavities, that are filled with a clear liquid called cerebrospinal fluid. The cerebrospinal fluid, which also surrounds the brain and spinal cord, helps support and cushion the brain. Tumors in the ventricles are known as intraventricular tumors, and...

Craniopharyngiomas are relatively rare tumors that arise in or near the pituitary gland. Craniopharyngiomas make up 2.4 to 4 percent of all brain tumors, and are observed more frequently in children than in adults. While craniopharyngiomas are benign tumors, they may grow quickly and tend to recur...