Pituitary Tumors

Tumors of the pituitary gland are almost invariably benign and are usually curable. The manifestations of a pituitary tumor depend on the hormone secreted by the tumor as well as the pattern of growth of the tumor within the sella turcica. Tumors that are often hormonally active are the eosinophilic growth hormone-secreting adenomas (GH), basophilic adrenocorticotrophic hormone-secreting adenomas (ACTH), and the prolactin-secreting adenomas (PRL). These tumors may protrude outside of the sella. The hormonally-inactive adenoma, a common pituitary tumor, is often much larger and may exhibit invasive properties. For a discussion of current treatment go to the NCI pituitary site., also see the section on gamma knife. See review article on pituitary tumors here and review of acromegaly here

• NCI physician site
• NCI patient site
• anatomy considerations,  cavernous sinus
• anatomy pic , anatomy pic
• anatomy from Gray's (hypophysis  or pituitary body)
• more anatomy, more cavernous sinus, mri
• MRI of the pituitary, MRI#2, MRI#3, MRI#4
• MRI of a large pituitary tumor (acromegaly)
• radiation target
• typical radiation port films
• typical radiation isodose
• radiation studies for pituitary tumors and postOp radiation
• A discussion of radiosurgery versus external beam is here.