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A clinico-pathologic study of pituitary adenomas
C Sarkar1, S Roy, N Kochupillai
1Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.
The Indian Journal of Medical Research
|October 1, 1990
Summary
This study investigated pituitary adenomas in 100 patients, differentiating between non-functioning and hyper-functioning tumors. Results revealed distinct cellular and hormonal profiles, with implications for diagnosis and understanding tumor behavior.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Pituitary adenomas are common tumors affecting endocrine function.
- Classification is crucial for understanding clinical manifestations and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize pituitary adenomas based on function and cellular activity.
- To correlate tumor hormone production with serum hormone levels and clinical presentation.
Main Methods:
- Light microscopy, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry were employed.
- Serum hormone levels were measured in 100 patients with pituitary adenoma.
- Patients were categorized into non-functioning and hyper-functioning groups.
Main Results:
- Non-functioning adenomas included null cell adenomas and lactotroph adenomas with elevated prolactin.
- Hyper-functioning adenomas (somatotroph, lactotroph, corticotroph) showed specific hormone elevations.
- 40% of tumors were pleurihormonal, with GH and prolactin co-secretion being common.
- Immunohistochemistry detected hormones not always reflected in serum or clinical signs.
Conclusions:
- Pituitary adenoma classification requires integrated morphological and hormonal analysis.
- Pleurihormonal adenomas present diagnostic challenges due to discordant hormone expression.
- Further research is needed to understand the clinical significance of pleurihormonal pituitary adenomas.