Share this
Digg
Del.icio.us
Reddit
StumbleUpon
Slashdot
Netscape
Furl
Yahoo
Blogmarks
Technorati
Newsvine
Googlize this
Blinklist
Facebook
Wikio
Export PDF
Print
E-mail
Pituitary microadenomas are benign tumors affecting the pituitary gland that smaller than 10mm. They can be functional or non-functional. Functional microadenomas produce one of several different types of hormones, while non-functional do not produce any hormones.
Some examples of hormones produce by functional microademonas are thyroid, prolactin, growth, and ACTH. Symptoms vary depending on if the tumor is functional or not and also the location of the tumor. Symptoms can include tiredness, restlessness, headaches, vomiting, and dizziness.
These tumors can be diagnosed in a variety of ways. MRI, CT, blood tests, petrosal sinus testing, and eye exams are all used in determining a diagnosis. Treatment again is dependent upon the type and location of the microadenoma. It ranges from drug therapy to surgery to radiation treatment.
I have included 2 MRI images showing pituitary microadenomas.
From http://radpathology.blogspot.com/2009/10/pituitary-microadenoma.html