What Is a Pituitary Adenoma?
A pituitary adenoma is a benign tumor that grows from the hormone-producing cells of the pituitary gland. It is by far the most common type of pituitary tumor. Most grow slowly and never spread.
Adenoma vs. PitNET: A Note on Terminology
You may see these tumors called both "pituitary adenomas" and "pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs)." The newer term reflects an updated classification, but for patients the two words describe the same thing.
Types of Pituitary Adenomas
Adenomas are grouped by whether they make a hormone and by their size. Hormone-producing types include prolactinoma, acromegaly (growth hormone), and Cushing disease (ACTH); those that make no hormone are non-functioning adenomas. By size, they are divided into microadenomas and macroadenomas.
How Common Are They?
Pituitary adenomas are common. Small ones are found in a significant share of adults imaged for other reasons, though most are harmless and never cause symptoms.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis combines a pituitary MRI with hormone testing. Treatment depends on the type — ranging from medication or observation to minimally invasive transsphenoidal surgery.Become our Patient. Send us your MRI and recent bloodwork and our team will review your case. Call 813-333-1186 or fax records to 844-691-5928.