Non-Functioning Pituitary Tumours

Question 1

def

Answer 1

pituitary adenomas which do not cause characteristic hormone hypersecretion are called non-functioning pituitary adenomas

Question 2

what are functional pituitary adenomas

Answer 2

acromegaly
cushings
prolactinoma

Question 3

what are the two most prevalent pituitary adenomas

Answer 3

non-functioning pituitary adenomas

prolactinoma

Question 4

aetiology

Answer 4

unknown

Question 5

epi

Answer 5

increases with age
no gender or racial predilection
non-functioning pituitary adenomas are very common

Question 6

risk factors

Answer 6

MEN 1

Question 7

history

Answer 7

they are often only discovered when they cause symptoms of ‘mass effect’ which is when the growing tumor presses on other structures
the first thing to be compressed by the non-functioning pituitary adenoma is the pituitary itself which leads to a progressive decline in pituitary hormone production
in men, mild compression results in decreased libido and erectile dysfunction due to decreased testosterone by low gonadotrophins (LH+FSH), more severe compression results in symptoms of hypothyroidism.
in women, amenorrhoea or oligomenorrhoea can occur in pre-menopausal women, however in post-menopausal women the effects are more subtle i.e. reduced libido
symptoms of hypothyrodism can also present in women
in men and women, the most dangerous consequence of pituitary dysfunction is loss of cortisol which can result in N+V, confusion, low BP

past this point the non-functioning pituitary adenoma can cause visual defects

Question 8

examination

Answer 8

signs of hypogonadism, hypothyroidism

signs of optic chiasm compression with bitemporal hemianopia

Question 9

investigations

Answer 9

1 bloods

low pituitary hormones