Treatment of Pituitary Tumors: An Update

There have been great strides in understanding the clinical behavior of pituitary adenomas. The recent advances in molecular biologic techniques have added to the understanding of the pathophysiologic processes involved in the formation of these tumors. This issue of Seminars in Neurosurgery addresses those recent advances and controversial issues related to the role of surgery in the treatment of microprolactinomas. The management of other secreting pituitary adenomas such as growth hormone- and adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting adenomas continues to be a treatment challenge. Two articles thoroughly cover the secreting tumors. Along the same lines the introduction of stereotactic radiosurgical treatment is discussed in a separate article, which also deals with advances related to the treatment of secreting adenomas. Pituitary apoplexy is also covered because of its common occurrence and the importance of early diagnosis.

Invasive pituitary adenomas constitute up to 13% of all adenomas and they continue to be a treatment challenge. Recent advances in skull base and microsurgical techniques have significantly impacted the treatment of such tumors; one of the articles is dedicated to the management of invasive adenomas. The recurrence rate of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas continues to be a source of frustration even after surgical intervention by the experts. An article delineates the management plan of recurrent nonfunctioning adenomas and recent advances related to this field.

The articles in this issue aim to update the expert as well as to provide valuable information for medical students and nurses.