Pituitary: Macroadenoma

What is it?

Macroadenoma is a benign growth of more than 10 mm in size in the pituitary gland.  A microadenoma is different because it is a growth of less than 10 mm in size.  The image below shows the differences in sizes of the macroadenomas or microadenomas. 

radonc.ucla.edu

 

Macroadenomas are not as common as microadenomas.  There are several types of pituitary macroadenomas depending on if they produce hormones or not.  A functioning pituitary macroadenoma makes one or more pituitary hormones; whereas, a nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenoma does not make hormones.  Each type of pituitary macroadenoma can have different symptoms depending on the hormones produced in the individual.  For example, functioning pituitary macroadenoma include:

• "Prolactin-producing macroadenomas"
• "Growth hormone-producing macroadenomas"
• "ACTH-producing macroadenomas"
• "Thyroid hormone-producing macroadenomas" 

(http://endocrine-system.emedtv.com/pituitary-macroadenoma/pituitary-macroadenoma-p2.html)

 Symptoms

The symptoms of macroadenoma can range from simple to complex.  Some symptoms could be headaches, vomiting, or dizziness. Symptoms vary because of the size of the macroadenoma.  If the macroadenoma grow larger, it could possibly press on certain parts of the brain.  A macroadenoma could press on the optic nerve, which could cause vision problems. Symptoms also vary depending on the hormones produced by the macroadenoma. Hormones tumors could cause hyperthyroidism, Cushing syndrome, or hyperprolactinemia.

radiopaedia.org

 

Diagnosis/Treatments

Diagnosis could be concluded by the tests listed:

 

• "Blood tests to measure hormone levels"
• "Computed tomography (CT) scans"
• "Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans"
• "Petrosal sinus samplings"
• "Eye exams." 

(http://endocrine-system.emedtv.com/pituitary-macroadenoma/pituitary-macroadenoma-p3.html)

Pituitary macroadenoma treatment options vary based on:

 

• "The type of pituitary macroadenoma (see Types of Pituitary Tumors)"
• "The symptoms of its hormone activity"
• "How far the macroadenoma has spread into the brain"
• "The patient's age and overall health." 

(http://endocrine-system.emedtv.com/pituitary-macroadenoma/pituitary-macroadenoma-p3.html)

Treatments for a pituitary macroadenoma can include radiation therapy, surgery, and drug therapy.f

mayfieldclinic.com

If you would like any additional information on macroadenoma go visit:

-http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/123223-overview
-http://endocrine-system.emedtv.com/pituitary-macroadenoma/pituitary-macroadenoma-p3.html

Ashli House