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Published on: January 17, 2018
Functional gonadotroph adenomas
1Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Obesity
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Functional gonadotroph tumors (FGTs) are rare pituitary tumors. Early detection and surgical treatment are key, with long-term follow-up crucial due to potential recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Functional gonadotroph tumors (FGTs) are rare anterior pituitary neoplasms.
- These tumors secrete gonadotropins, leading to various clinical manifestations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the limited information on the optimal management of FGTs.
- To highlight diagnostic challenges and treatment strategies for these rare tumors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of FGTs.
- Analysis of existing data on surgical outcomes and long-term follow-up.
Main Results:
- FGT symptoms are often nonspecific, leading to delayed diagnosis.
- Mass effect symptoms like visual changes and headaches are common presenting features.
- Many patients are diagnosed retrospectively after presenting with mass effects.
Conclusions:
- High clinical suspicion and comprehensive investigations are essential for FGT detection.
- Surgery remains the primary treatment modality for FGTs.
- Long-term surveillance is necessary due to reported tumor recurrence.
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