Pituitary Tumours (non-functioning)

Question 1

Define:

Answer 1

Benign tumours formed from the pituitary cells –> DO NOT produce any active hormones.

Question 2

How can you classify pituitary adenomas?

Answer 2

Microadenoma (<1cm) and macroadenoma (>1cm)

OR Histologically:
o	Chromophobe (70%) – most non-secretory, some cause hypopituitarism, 50% produce prolactin
o	Acidophil (15%) – secrete GH or prolactin
o	Basophil (15%) – secrete ACTH
Explain the aetiology/risk factors of non-functioning

Question 3

Aetiology/risk factors:

Answer 3

No specific cause

Symptoms cause the local pressure effect

Can occur as part of MEN 1 syndrome

Question 4

Symtoms/signs

Answer 4

Very slow progression of symptom development

Headaches

Pressure on surrounding structure:

• Optic chiasm - bitemporal hemianopia
• Cavernous sinus - Palsy of CN 3,4 and 6
• Pituitary itself - pan hypopituitarism (symptoms depend on the hormone)

Question 5

Investigations:

Answer 5

Bloods - check the hormone levels
MRI
CT
Visual field testing