Large pituitary adenomas with extension into the nasopharynx. Report of three cases with a review of the literature.
Three cases of pituitary adenoma with extension into the nasopharynx and nasal cavity are reported. The occurrence of this rare tumor underscores the need to consider a pituitary tumor whenever a patient presents with rhinologic complaints and destruction of the sellar floor. Epistaxis, although exceptional, may be the first manifestation of a pituitary tumor. Immunohistochemical analysis combined with staining for the pituitary hormones proved to be essential for reaching a definite diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging seems to be the modality of choice for differentiation between tumorous and nontumorous sinus obstruction.
van der Mey
A G
AG
Department of Otolaryngology, University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
van Seters
A P
AP
van Krieken
J H
JH
Vielvoye
J
J
van Dulken
H
H
Hulshof
J H
JH
D000236:Adenoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed