Pituitary Tumours

Question 1

Define non-functioning pituitary tumours?

Answer 1

Benign tumours of the pituitary gland formed from pituitary cells that don’t produce any active pituitary hormones

Question 2

What is the aetiology of non-functioning pituitary tumours?

Answer 2

No specific cause

Can occur as a part of MEN 1 syndrome

Question 3

What is the epidemiology of non-functioning pituitary tumours?

Answer 3

Most common type of macroadenoma (> 1cm)

Most common type of pituitary tumour in patients > 60 yrs

Question 4

What are the presenting symptoms and signs of non-functioning pituitary tumours?

Answer 4

Symptoms develop very slowly because there are no hormonal derangements
Headaches
Stuff caused by pressure on surrounding structures

Question 5

What are some symptoms and signs caused by pressure on surrounding structures?

Answer 5

Optic Chiasm - bitemporal hemianopia

Normal pituitary gland - panhypopituitarism (Symptoms develop depending on which hormone is affected)

Question 6

What investigations would you do for non-functioning pituitary tumours?

Answer 6

MRI
CT
Bloods -Check hormone levels
Visual Fields testing