Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

07:43
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Rapidly progressing giant invasive prolactinoma.
R H Care1, V S Sunkaraneni, J Theaker
1ENT, Christchurch Hospital, Addington, New Zealand. rachelcare@doctors.net.uk
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|July 19, 2012
Summary
Giant invasive prolactinoma, a rare pituitary tumor, can present unusually as a nasopharyngeal mass. This case highlights a unique presentation mimicking sinusitis, expanding the known clinical spectrum of these tumors.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuro-oncology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Giant prolactinomas are rare pituitary tumors, accounting for 0.5-4.4% of all pituitary tumors.
- They are more prevalent in men and typically manifest with endocrine dysfunction or neurological symptoms.
Observation:
- This report details an exceptionally rare case of a giant invasive prolactinoma presenting as a nasopharyngeal tumor.
- The patient exhibited symptoms consistent with sinusitis and a nasopharyngeal mass.
Findings:
- This is the first documented instance of a giant prolactinoma presenting with symptoms mimicking sinusitis and a nasopharyngeal tumor.
- The case underscores the diverse and sometimes atypical clinical presentations of giant prolactinomas.
Implications:
- This case expands the differential diagnosis for nasopharyngeal masses and sinusitis.
- It emphasizes the importance of considering pituitary tumors in the evaluation of unexplained nasopharyngeal symptoms, even in the absence of typical endocrine or neurological deficits.
