Pituitary adenoma

Pituitary adenoma is the most common intracranial tumor that affects the visual system. A variety of signs and symptoms of disease may be produced, either ocular or endocrine, depending on the type of tumor involved. Nonfunctional pituitary adenomas show no elevation in serum hormone concentration and produce visual symptoms that result from the compression by the tumor mass of adjacent structures. These tumors are more likely to be diagnosed by an ophthalmic clinician than functional adenomas, which cause endocrine dysfunction and are more likely to be diagnosed by an endocrinologist. Diagnostic imaging and clinical laboratory testing may be used to confirm the presence of the tumor. Treatment for pituitary adenoma includes medication, radiotherapy, surgery, or a combination of these options.