Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 9, 2026

Three-dimensional Alginate-bead Culture of Human Pituitary Adenoma Cells
Published on: February 18, 2016
Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenoma That Changed to a Functional Gonadotropinoma
Gerson Geovany Andino-Ríos1, Lesly Portocarrero-Ortiz1, Carlos Rojas-Guerrero1
1Neuroendocrinology Department, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
This case study highlights a rare instance of a silent pituitary adenoma transforming into a functional one. The patient
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Pituitary adenomas are common tumors, classified as functional or silent.
- Functional gonadotropinomas are rare, with few documented cases.
- The transition from silent to functional pituitary adenomas is exceptionally uncommon.
Observation:
- A woman initially presented with a nonfunctional pituitary adenoma.
- Over time, her hormonal profile indicated a shift towards a functional state.
Findings:
- The patient developed hyperestrogenemia and secondary amenorrhea, indicative of a functional gonadotropinoma.
- Tumor resection led to the resolution of hyperestrogenemia.
Implications:
- Clinicians should monitor for functional changes in nonfunctional pituitary adenomas.
- Hormonal surveillance, including FSH/LH ratio and estradiol levels, is crucial for early detection of pituitary adenoma functional shifts.
More Related Videos
07:43Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
12:34Two-dimensional Gel Electrophoresis Coupled with Mass Spectrometry Methods for an Analysis of Human Pituitary Adenoma Tissue Proteome
Published on: April 2, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
Hormones of the Pituitary Gland
The most abundantly secreted hormone from the anterior lobe is the growth hormone, which controls overall growth by...
The Pituitary Gland
Standard Entropy Change for a Reaction
Global Climate Change
Rates of Change