Monitoring

All patients require long-term follow-up using periodic brain magnetic resonance imaging scans. Regular endocrinological follow-up is required in all patients with craniopharyngioma; ophthalmology follow-up postoperatively and at subsequent periodic intervals is also recommended.[8][21][24][49][50][64]

Most patients are followed every 6 to 12 months, recognising that most recurrences occur relatively early (within the first several years). Patients with complications following treatment (hypothalamic syndrome, seizures, cognitive loss) may be followed on a more frequent basis. Patients are best managed by a multidisciplinary team, which may include a paediatrician or internist/primary care physician, endocrinologist, ophthalmologist, radiation oncologist, and neurosurgeon. Co-ordination of care may be challenging given the multiple specialties involved and is best managed at tertiary medical centres. Ideally, patients and families need a single contact person (physician or nurse), as care may seem fragmented and overly complicated. Having simple, direct lines of communication provides patients and families with a sense of continuity of care and improves care in a complex condition.

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