Pituitary Adenoma

Pituitary adenoma is a group of tumors from anterior/posterior pituitary + craniopharyngeal epithelial remnants. Symptomatic = ~10% of intracranial tumors; male>female; young/middle-aged; affects growth/fertility/learning/work. Clinical: hormone hypersecretion syndromes, mass effect on surrounding structures, pituitary apoplexy, anterior-pituitary hypofunction. Mostly anterior-lobe adenomas; posterior-lobe rare. Incomplete statistics: PRL adenoma most common (50-55%), then GH (20-23%), ACTH (5-8%), TSH/LH-FSH rare; nonfunctioning = 20-25%.

Common Symptoms

Visual-field defect; compensatory sympathetic overactivity; visual impairment; abnormal tall stature; male infertility; amenorrhea-galactorrhea; amenorrhea; fundus changes

Causes and Pathogenesis

Hypothalamic polypeptide hormones trigger pituitary-cell proliferation (GHRH gene transfer → rat somatotroph hyperplasia → true tumor). Lack of inhibitory factors promotes tumor (ACTH adenoma in primary adrenal insufficiency). Adenoma arises from one mutated cell → monoclonal expansion/self-mutation. External triggers/lack of inhibition: (1) dopamine-receptor gene defect. (2) Oncogenes/tumor-suppressor genes: oncogenes = normal growth regulators; products = growth factors/receptors/growth-signal transducers; abnormal expression → hyperplasia.

Treatment

Drug, rehabilitation, surgery

Preventive Measures

Post-op care: (1) Psychological reassurance (benign, good surgical outcome, return to work). (2) Nutrition: fresh high-protein food. (3) Radiotherapy ~1 month post-op; avoid public places; monitor blood counts. (4) Medication as prescribed; CT follow-up yearly.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Neurosurgery department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.