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Pituitary metastasis from malignant bronchial carcinoid
M L Rossi1, J S Bevan, K A Fleming
1Department of Neuropathology, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, U.K.
Tumori
|February 29, 1988
Summary
Pituitary gland metastases from carcinoid tumors are rare. This case highlights considering carcinoid metastasis in pituitary tumors lacking pituitary hormones, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Neurology
Background:
- Carcinoid tumors are neuroendocrine neoplasms that can metastasize.
- Pituitary gland involvement by metastasis is uncommon.
- Pituitary adenomas are the most common pituitary tumors.
Observation:
- A 49-year-old woman with a primary bronchial carcinoid tumor developed multiple metastases 8 years later.
- One metastasis was identified in the pituitary gland.
- The patient exhibited partial pituitary function failure.
Findings:
- This represents the first reported case of pituitary gland metastasis from a carcinoid tumor.
- The pituitary metastasis presented as a mass, mimicking a pituitary adenoma.
- The tumor was negative for pituitary hormones.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider carcinoid metastasis in the differential diagnosis of pituitary tumors, especially those negative for pituitary hormones.
- This finding expands the known metastatic potential of carcinoid tumors.
- Early recognition of non-pituitary tumors metastasizing to the pituitary is crucial for appropriate patient management.