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Related Concept Videos

The Pituitary Gland01:17

The Pituitary Gland

The pituitary is a small endocrine organ in the sphenoid bone under the hypothalamus. Primarily, the pituitary in adults has two distinct anatomical and functional regions— the anterior and posterior lobes. During human fetal development, a third pituitary gland region called the pars intermedia atrophies and disappears. However, some of its cells migrate and exist adjacent to the anterior pituitary in adults.
Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction01:26

Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction

Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology01:19

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
07:43

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

Published on: January 17, 2018

Nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas: the Oxford experience.

John A H Wass1, Niki Karavitaki

  • 1Department of Endocrinology, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK. john.wass@orh.nhs.uk

Nature Reviews. Endocrinology
|August 20, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas are common tumors. While microadenomas rarely cause vision loss, macroadenomas often enlarge and impair vision, necessitating careful monitoring and treatment.

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Development of Organoids from Mouse Pituitary as In Vitro Model to Explore Pituitary Stem Cell Biology
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Development of Organoids from Mouse Pituitary as In Vitro Model to Explore Pituitary Stem Cell Biology

Published on: February 25, 2022

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Last Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
07:43

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

Published on: January 17, 2018

Development of Organoids from Mouse Pituitary as In Vitro Model to Explore Pituitary Stem Cell Biology
09:48

Development of Organoids from Mouse Pituitary as In Vitro Model to Explore Pituitary Stem Cell Biology

Published on: February 25, 2022

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) are the second most common pituitary tumors, with recent advances improving understanding of their epidemiology, natural history, diagnosis, treatment, and recurrence.
  • Clinical management of NFPAs requires accurate differentiation from prolactin-secreting adenomas.

Approach:

  • This review highlights recent advancements in the understanding and management of NFPAs.
  • We propose a serum prolactin level cutoff of <2,000 mU/l to distinguish NFPAs from prolactinomas.
  • Our experience in managing patients with NFPAs is also described.

Key Points:

  • Microadenomas showed a 19% increase in size without visual complications in untreated patients.
  • Untreated macroadenomas enlarged in 50% of cases, with 67% experiencing visual field defects.
  • Tumor recurrence can occur up to 14 years post-surgery, though most recurrences are within 5 years.

Conclusions:

  • NFPAs require distinct management strategies based on tumor size (microadenoma vs. macroadenoma).
  • The proposed prolactin cutoff aids in differential diagnosis.
  • Long-term surveillance is crucial due to the potential for late recurrence.