Gynaecological importance of unusual pituitary tumours.
Sixty-eight women with pituitary tumours exhibiting gynaecological symptoms have been reviewed. Fifty-two tumours were prolactinomas while 6 were growth hormone secreting, 6 ACTH secreting, 1 was a large 'inert' adenoma and 3 were late-presenting craniopharyngiomas. Several of the prolactinomas exhibited unusual features including excessively high prolactin secretion, a wide spectrum of sensitivity to bromocriptine, rapid expansion in pregnancy, association with the empty sella syndrome and even a secondary malignancy. The behaviour of tumours secreting other hormones but presenting with gynaecological symptoms is described.
D000236:Adenoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D000328:Adult; D003397:Craniopharyngioma / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D005687:Galactorrhea / Q000209:etiology*; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology*; D007775:Lactation Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances / Q000209:etiology*; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011388:Prolactin / Q000378:metabolism*
D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D011388:Prolactin; D013006:Growth Hormone