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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.
Hormones of the Pituitary Gland01:27

Hormones 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...
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...
Adrenal Gland Disorders01:27

Adrenal Gland Disorders

Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:23

Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 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

Pituitary incidentalomas.

Andrea Lania1, Paolo Beck-Peccoz

  • 1Department of Medical Sciences, University of Milan, Endocrine Unit, Istituto Clinico Humanitas IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy. andrea.lania@unimi.it

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
|August 7, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Increased use of brain imaging detects more pituitary incidentalomas. Management varies based on size, hormonal activity, and symptoms, with surgery for larger or symptomatic lesions and conservative approaches for stable, inactive ones.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging and Endocrinology
  • Pituitary Disorders
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Advanced neuroradiological imaging (CT, MRI) increases incidental pituitary lesion detection.
  • Pituitary incidentalomas are common, but their clinical relevance and natural history are not fully understood.
  • Management strategies for these asymptomatic pituitary masses remain controversial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the latest data on the natural history of pituitary incidentalomas.
  • To discuss current clinical management strategies for incidentally discovered pituitary masses.
  • To provide insights into the clinical relevance of asymptomatic pituitary lesions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on pituitary incidentalomas.
  • Analysis of data regarding tumor size, hormonal activity, and visual function.
  • Evaluation of conservative versus surgical management approaches.

Main Results:

  • Most pituitary incidentalomas are small (microincidentalomas), often hormonally inactive pituitary adenomas.
  • Larger lesions (macroincidentalomas) have higher growth potential and may cause hypopituitarism or visual disturbances.
  • Hormonal screening is recommended for all patients with incidentalomas.

Conclusions:

  • Management of pituitary incidentalomas should be individualized based on lesion characteristics and patient symptoms.
  • Conservative management is suitable for stable, hormonally inactive incidentalomas.
  • Surgical intervention is indicated for macroincidentalomas with associated hypopituitarism or visual impairment.