Definition and diagnosis of aggressive pituitary tumors

Pituitary adenomas are considered benign tumors, but approximately 10% of them can have an aggressive behavior and more rarely (0.2%) can present metastasis, being classified as pituitary carcinomas. Aggressive adenomas are generally large and invasive tumors that present unusually rapid growth and/or that grow irrespective of conventional treatment with surgery, medical therapy and radiotherapy. Nevertheless, large tumors, as well as invasive tumors are not always aggressive, with this definition being possible only after clinical follow-up of these tumors, with growth rate and response to therapies being key points to its diagnosis. The correct identification and diagnosis of aggressive adenomas is of great importance as they are associated with great morbidity and increased mortality.