Non-secreting pituitary tumors in adolescents--consequences in adulthood

This article reviews non-secreting pituitary tumors in children and adolescents. These tumors include a wide range of pathological situations. They differ from those in adults regarding incidence, pathology, clinical presentation, size and consequences. Pituitary tumors are uncommon in this age group (2.7% of intracranial tumors) whilst in adults they represent 22.5-27%. Pituitary adenomas are the most frequent in adults (30%) while craniopharyngiomas are more common in children and adolescents (80-90%). Of pituitary adenomas in children and adolescents, non-secreting pituitary adenomas are very rare (3-6%) and are usually macroadenomas. These are usually benign, not life threatening, but can profoundly affect the quality and length of life because of serious secondary complications. In spite of the difficulties presented, surgery is the treatment of choice for most of these tumors. Even following the best of treatment, however, there is a great possibility of permanent pituitary insufficiency. In a large percentage of patients, these adverse effects of the tumors can be prevented by early and rapid intervention and treatment.