GENERAL INFORMATION
The pathology for the pituitary that I chose to do is Pituitary Macroadenoma. Even though we have talked about this some in class I figured I would still go ahead and explain it anyways.
A pituitary macroadenoma is a benign growth that occurs on the pituitary gland. For it to be considered macro is has to be at least 10mm in size. If it is less than 10mm, its then considered micro. There are several types of macroadenoma. Those that actually make hormones are considered funtcional macroadenomas, and those that do not make hormones are called nonfunctioning macroadenomas, easy enough.
SYMPTOMS
The most common symptoms a patient has when they have a macroadenoma is tiredness and restlessness. More severe complaints people with these have are headaches, vomiting, and dizziness. Macroadenomas can grow and if it gets big enough it can push on the optic nerve and start to affect a person's vision. Since the symptoms are based on what kind of macroadenoma it is, not everyone with this will experience these symptoms.
DIAGNOSIS.
To diagnose a macroadenoma, the doctor will have to ask a patient a series of questions such as their medical history, any symptoms they are having, if this runs in their family, etc. Certain tests such as MRI and CT will help to find a macroadenoma. Blood tests and eye exams may help as well.
TREATEMENT
Most pituitary macroadenomas treatement consists of surgery to remove it. Radiation therapy and or drug therapy are also another possible choice for treatement. Most of the time treatment is decided by what kind of macroadenoma it is.
MRI IMAGE OF A PITUITARY MACRO ADENOMA
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