Pituitary adenomas can occur in sites outside of the pituitary fossa. Many adenomas are functional but some are not.
Sites where a pituitary adenoma can be found:
(1) suprasella location
(2) sphenoid sinus = ectopic sphenoid sinus pituitary adenoma (ESSPA)
(3) nasal cavity
(4) cavernous sinus
(5) pharynx
(6) teratoma (ovarian, other)
Presentation of an ectopic pituitary adenoma:
(1) hormone overproduction syndrome and normal pituitary
(2) mass lesion at site with a proliferation of endocrine cells that stain for TSH, ACTH, etc
Some of these adenomas may bleed profusely (D Rolfes, personal communication).
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
Specialty: Hematology Oncology, Surgery, general, Endocrinology, Neurology
