Surgical Management of Pituitary Adenomas

JA Jane, Jr., ER Laws, Jr.
Correspondence: Prof E R Laws, Jr., el5g@virginia.edu

ABSTRACT
Pituitary adenomas are a diverse group of benign neoplasms. The hormonally active tumours present with well-recognised syndromes and include acromegaly (growth hormone adenoma), Cushing's disease (corticotropin adenoma), and amenorrhea-galactorrhea (prolactin adenoma or prolactinomas). The hormonally inactive, or clinically non-secreting, adenomas generally come to clinical attention secondary to local mass effect or pituitary deficiency. With the exception of the prolactinomas, transsphenoidal surgery remains the first-line therapy for most pituitary adenomas. The current diagnosis and surgical management of pituitary adenomas is discussed.

Keywords: pituitary neoplasm, Cushing syndrome, Acromegaly, Prolactinoma, transsphenoidal surgery
Singapore Med J 2002; 43(6): 318-323