Surgical experience with craniopharyngioma in adults.

It is proposed that the term craniopharyngioma of the adult be employed only for tumors presenting after the successful completion of puberty. The contrasts with the current practice of arbitrary distinction on the basis of age at the time of operation. Of 48 patients over 20 years of age at the time of operation, 38 fulfilled the criteria for "craniopharyngioma of the adult". Clinical characteristics of these 38 are analyzed. In contrast to generally accepted ideas, the course of patients with incompletely excised tumors is unfavorable, with frequent early and serious recurrences. A complete excision is therefore recommended for craniopharyngioma of the adult.