Diagnosis By Mayo Clinic Staff Print Diagnosing a craniopharyngioma usually starts with a medical history review and a discussion of symptoms. Tests used to diagnose a craniopharyngioma include: Neurological exam. During this exam, a healthcare professional tests vision, hearing, balance, coordination, reflexes, and growth and development. This can help show which part of the brain might be affected by the tumor. Blood tests. Blood tests may reveal changes in hormone levels that show a tumor is affecting the pituitary gland. Imaging tests. Imaging tests capture pictures of the brain. The pictures can show the size and location of the tumor. Imaging tests include X-rays, CTs and MRIs. In certain situations, other tests might be needed. Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment Aug. 19, 2025 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Living with craniopharyngioma? Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Brain Tumor support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, a patient community. Brain Tumor Discussions Share Your Brain Tumor type & Years since Diagnosis 106 Replies Sat, Jul 25, 2026 chevron-right Can MRI show if changes are normal or if brain lesion's growing? 5 Replies Fri, Jul 24, 2026 chevron-right Pineal Cyst: What symptoms led to your diagnosis? 65 Replies Tue, Jun 30, 2026 chevron-right See more discussions Show references Ferri FF. Craniopharyngioma. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2023. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 28, 2023. Harsh GR, et al. Craniopharyngioma. https://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed April 28, 2023. Childhood craniopharyngioma treatment (PDQ) – Patient version. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/types/brain/patient/child-cranio-treatment-pdq. Accessed April 28, 2023. Winn HR, ed. Pediatric craniopharyngiomas. In: Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery. 8th ed. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 28, 2023. Craniopharyngioma. Cancer.Net. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/craniopharyngioma-childhood/view-all. Accessed April 28, 2023. CraniopharyngiomaSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatmentDoctors&departments Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. NEW: Mayo Clinic Guide to Better Sleep Listen to Health Matters Podcast Mayo Clinic on Incontinence The Essential Diabetes Book FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20198286 Diseases & Conditions Craniopharyngioma