The growth pattern of craniopharyngiomas (CP) is yet to be understood due
to challenges arising from the diversity of morphological features that exist. This in
turn has had implications on the development of safe surgical strategies for
management of these lesions. In this chapter, we proposed a morphological
classification of CP based on their tumor–membrane relationship, which will contribute
to better understanding of CP morphology and prediction of the intraoperative
classification. Moreover, based on our studies, the arachnoidal sleeve around the
pituitary stalk (ASPS) was noted, and divided the pituitary stalk into four segments.
Correspondingly, the growth of CPs was divided into four basic patterns—infradiaphragmatic
(ID), extra-arachnoidal (EA), intra-arachnoidal (IA) and sub-arachnoidal
(SA) growth. After analysis of 195 clinical cases of CP, we finally proposed the
clinical classification “QST” classification, which detailed the relationship of the
surrounding structures to CPs and purports to predict and identify the intraoperative
anatomical stratification. It also attempts to help predict the growth patterns of these
tumors. Finally, the surgical principle of approach selection for CP was discussed and
proposed.
Keywords: ASPS, Classification, Craniopharyngioma, Membrane, Pituiray stalk.
