Pituitary Tumours (non-functioning)

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Benign tumours of the pituitary gland formed from pituitary cells that do not produce any active pituitary hormones.

Question 2

Aetiology

Answer 2

· No specific cause

· Can occur as a part of MEN 1 syndrome

Question 3

Epidemiology

Answer 3

· Most common type of macroadenoma (> 1 cm)

· Most common type of pituitary tumour in patients > 60 yrs

Question 4

Presenting symptoms and signs on physical examination

Answer 4

· Symptoms develop very SLOWLY because there are no hormonal derangements

· Headaches

· Pressure on surrounding structures:
o Optic chiasm -bitemporal hemianopia
o Normal pituitary gland - panhypopituitarism
· Symptoms develop depending on which hormone is affected

Question 5

Investigations

Answer 5

· MRI

· CT

· Bloods - check hormone levels

· Visual fields testing