Pituitary adenoma history and symptoms: Difference between revisions

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{{Pituitary adenoma}}
{{Pituitary adenoma}}
{{CMG}}
{{CMG}}


==Overview==
==Overview==


'''Pituitary adenomas''' are [[tumor]]s that occur in the [[pituitary gland]], and account for about 10% of intracranial [[neoplasia|neoplasms]]. They often remain undiagnosed, and small pituitary tumors are found in 6 to 24 percent of adults at autopsy.
Pituitary adenomas arise within the anterior lobe (adenohypophysis) of the gland . Tumors less than 1 cm are called micro adenomas. Clinical symptoms depend on whether the tumor is secreting or nonsecreting. Nonsecreting adenomas grow and compress adjacent structures, most commonly causing a bitemporal hemianopsia due to chiasmatic compression. Lateral extension into the cavernous sinuses can result in cranial nerve palsies.
==History and Symptoms==
==History and Symptoms==
The diagnosis is generally entertained either on the basis of visual difficulties arising from the compression of the [[optic nerve]] by the tumor, or on the basis of manifestations of excess hormone secretion: the specifics depend on the type of hormone. The specific area of the visual pathway at which compression by these tumours occurs is at the [[optic chiasma]].
* [[Headache]]
* Vision problems


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 18:23, 12 September 2012