Pituitary Tumors
Most are pituitary adenomas. Often asymptomatic. Peak ages 20 to 40.
Classification
Secreting tumors: produce one or more anterior pituitary hormones; prolactinoma most common.
Mixed secretory tumors: 10% of all adenomas.
Non-secreting (“null cell”) adenoma: no hormone secretion.
Also divided by size: microadenomas (<1.0 cm in diameter) usually cause symptoms due to excess hormone secretion; macroadenomas (>1.0 cm) cause symptoms due to mass effect.
Clinical Features
Symptoms due to either endocrine dysfunction or direct tumor mass effect. Secreting tumors: see Chapter 146.
Non-secreting Tumors
Hypopituitarism (See Table 59.1).Related posts:
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