Etymed
pituitary macroadenoma
Definition
A large benign tumor arising from the anterior pituitary gland that produces excessive hormones
Clinical context
A 45-year-old woman presents with headaches, visual field defects, and galactorrhea. MRI reveals a large mass compressing the optic chiasm. Laboratory studies show elevated prolactin levels. The patient undergoes transsphenoidal resection of the tumor. Postoperatively, her visual fields improve and prolactin levels normalize.
Mnemonic
Pituitary macroadenomas are large tumors that cause 'PIT' (visual field defects) and excessive hormone production