Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
07:43
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Pituitary lymphoma developing within pituitary adenoma
Ken Morita1, Fumihiko Nakamura, Yasuhiko Kamikubo
1Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.
International Journal of Hematology
|April 25, 2012
Summary
Pituitary lymphoma is rare, often occurring with pituitary adenoma. Biopsying refractory cases is crucial to identify underlying adenoma, aiding treatment decisions.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Endocrinology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Pituitary lymphoma is an exceptionally rare condition.
- Pituitary adenomas are common pituitary tumors.
Observation:
- A patient with a history of pituitary adenoma developed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
- Following treatment for DLBCL, the patient presented with visual disturbances and a suprasellar mass.
- Biopsy revealed DLBCL admixed with pituitary adenoma.
Findings:
- Pituitary lymphoma can occur within a pre-existing pituitary adenoma.
- Composite tumors often involve the suprasellar region and cause visual impairment.
- Residual pituitary adenoma may contribute to persistent suprasellar mass after lymphoma treatment.
Implications:
- Consider pituitary lymphoma in patients with recurrent pituitary adenoma and visual symptoms.
- Biopsy is recommended for refractory pituitary lymphoma to rule out underlying adenoma.
- Accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate management of these complex cases.
Related Concept Videos
01:17The 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.
01:27Hormones of the Pituitary Gland
The small, pea-sized pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. It is crucial in regulating various bodily functions, from growth to reproduction. The gland is divided into the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe. The secretory cell clusters in the pars distalis of the anterior pituitary lobe are controlled by hypothalamic regulators and synthesize six primary hormones.
The most abundantly secreted hormone from the anterior lobe is the growth hormone, which controls overall growth by...
The most abundantly secreted hormone from the anterior lobe is the growth hormone, which controls overall growth by...
01:19Cushing 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...