Etymed
pituitary adenoma
Definition
A benign tumor arising from the anterior pituitary gland, typically producing excessive hormones such as prolactin, growth hormone, or adrenocorticotropic hormone
Clinical context
A 35-year-old woman presents with galactorrhea, amenorrhea, and headaches lasting 3 months. Physical examination reveals visual field defects on confrontation testing. MRI shows a large suprasellar mass compressing the optic chiasm. Laboratory studies demonstrate elevated prolactin levels. The patient is diagnosed with a prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma causing hormonal excess and mass effect.
Mnemonic
Pituitary adenomas cause Prolactin excess (galactorrhea), Growth hormone excess (acromegaly), or ACTH excess (Cushing's disease) with visual field defects