A 10-year-old child presents with a calcified suprasellar mass causing bitemporal hemianopia and growth retardation. Histology shows stratified squamous epithelium in a whorling pattern, wet keratin nodules, and dystrophic calcification. This tumour arises from remnants of:
- A Neuroectoderm of the floor of the third ventricle
- B Arachnoid cells of the pituitary stalk
- C Rathke's pouch (oral ectoderm) ✓
- D Chromophobe cells of the anterior pituitary
Correct answer: C. Rathke's pouch (oral ectoderm)
Explanation
Craniopharyngioma arises from epithelial remnants of Rathke's pouch, the embryological outgrowth of oral ectoderm that forms the anterior pituitary. The adamantinomatous type (more common in children) shows stratified squamous epithelium, palisading basaloid cells, 'wet keratin' nodules, dystrophic calcification, and a cholesterol-rich 'motor oil' cystic fluid. The suprasellar location explains visual field defects and pituitary compression. The papillary type (more common in adults) often harbours BRAF V600E mutations.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.