Hypothalamic Tumor

A hypothalamic tumor is a growth that develops inside or on top of the hypothalamus in the brain.

What is going on in the body?

The hypothalamus, which lies between the thalamus and the pituitary gland, is one of the most important areas of the brain. It controls such functions as body temperature and coordination of the nervous and hormone systems. Most of the tumors of the hypothalamus occur in children and cause symptoms by 3 years of age. Abnormal pituitary gland secretions associated with tumors of this region can cause puberty before the age of 8 years.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Approximately 20% of people with neurofibromatosis, an inherited disorder involving the growth of fibrous swellings on the nerves, will develop a hypothalamic tumor. Other cases occur for unknown reasons.

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

Hypothalamic tumors produce a wide variety of symptoms that may be difficult to evaluate in children who are too young to speak. A hypothalamic tumor is suspected if a child shows signs of:

Other symptoms include:

How is the condition diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made by performing a cranial CT scan or cranial MRI. Various blood and urine tests will be done. Eye exams are also used for diagnosis and follow-up.

What can be done to prevent the condition?

There is no known way to prevent hypothalamic tumors.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

An untreated hypothalamic tumors can eventually lead to blindness, weight loss, and death.

What are the risks to others?

There are no risks to others, as the condition is not contagious.

What are the treatments for the condition?

Surgery to remove the tumor offers the only hope for a cure. Because of the size and location of hypothalamic tumors, many of them cannot be completely removed. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can also be used to shrink the tumor.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Treatment, even if successful, may not correct a vision loss. Some hormonal abnormalities may require replacement therapy.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

Long-term survival is good if the tumor is successfully removed. Untreated cases have a mean survival time of 12 months after diagnosis.

How is the condition monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

Author:James Warson, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Planko, Christa, MA
Edit Date:04/18/00
Reviewer:William M. Boggs, MD
Date Reviewed:09/20/01

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