Pituitary Adenomas – Clinico-Pathological, Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Study

Abstract

Pituitary adenomas (PA) constitute about 10% of intracranial neoplasm. Most of them have its origin in adenohypophysis (Cury et al., 2009; Rosai, 1989). They occur most often in adults between the ages of 30 and 60 years, and may have slightly higher incidence in females in early life (20-45 years) and in males in later life (35-60 years) (Davis et al., 2001; McDowell et al., 2011). The majority of pituitary adenomas have a sporadic origin; familial cases represent 5% of all pituitary tumors (Vandeva et al., 2010; Tichomirowa et al., 2009). Couldwell and Cannon (2010) report strong evidence of genetic contribution for predisposition to symptomatic pituitary tumors.