Pituitary tumor imaging manifestations

Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on July 03, 2025
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For the imaging manifestations of pituitary tumors, it is generally recommended that patients undergo a CT scan of the sellar region. CT scanning of the sellar region is one of the most effective methods for diagnosing pituitary tumors. Clinically, it is generally recommended that patients undergo enhanced CT scans and thin-layer scanning, with coronal and sagittal scans of the sellar region, thereby effectively increasing the detection rate of pituitary tumors. Typically, it appears as a distinct low density in the saddle area, most often presenting as isodense or hypodense, and less commonly as hyperdense. Generally, it presents with the height of the pituitary exceeding 7mm and with the diaphragma sellae showing significant fullness or asymmetric bulging, often suggesting a higher likelihood of a pituitary tumor. Additionally, large pituitary adenomas generally appear as high-density shadows, often occupying the entire saddle area.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Is a pituitary tumor serious?

Pituitary tumors are mostly benign. The tumors grow slowly, but due to their special location adjacent to the pituitary gland, when the size of the pituitary tumor increases to a certain extent, it will inevitably affect the pituitary, impairing its function and leading to pituitary dysfunction. This dysfunction manifests as endocrine hormonal imbalances, resulting in a series of symptoms and signs. Therefore, it is usually recommended to treat pituitary tumors surgically. Clinically, it is generally advised to choose the transnasal transsphenoidal approach for complete resection of the pituitary tumor.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
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Pituitary tumors are located in the pituitary gland.

Pituitary tumors are benign tumors that grow slowly, mostly within the pituitary fossa. Due to their proximity to the pituitary gland, small pituitary tumors generally do not show obvious symptoms. However, as the tumor size increases, it can easily compress the pituitary gland, affecting its function, resulting in pituitary dysfunction and causing an endocrine hormone disorder. This leads to a variety of symptoms and signs in patients. A cranial CT or MRI, including an enhanced MRI scan of the pituitary, can reveal a high-density shadow in the pituitary fossa, indicating the presence of an intracranial mass.

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Written by Gao Yi Shen
Neurosurgery
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How long is the leave for pituitary tumor surgery?

The duration of leave needed after pituitary tumor surgery must be judged based on individual circumstances, as everyone's condition is different. Generally, if the tumor removal uses a minimally invasive method, entering through the nose, then under normal circumstances, if the surgery goes well without any complications or sequelae, the patient often only needs to take one to two weeks off, and can usually return to work or studies afterwards. However, in some cases where open craniotomy is used for the tumor removal and the surgery encounters problems, postoperative complications or sequelae may occur, and the leave required can be around one to two months. If the condition is more critical, the leave period may be extended even further. Therefore, the decision must be based on the specific condition at the time, with most cases likely requiring around one month off.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
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Can pituitary tumors heal on their own?

Under normal circumstances, pituitary tumors generally do not heal spontaneously. Pituitary tumors are benign tumors and although they grow slowly, they tend to continue growing. When they enlarge to a certain extent, they produce a series of symptoms and signs, such as headaches behind the eye sockets, the forehead, and both temporal sides. If the tumor breaks through the sellar diaphragm, it might also affect the optic nerve, leading to decreased vision and visual field defects. Moreover, it can severely erode the pituitary gland, causing symptoms and signs like decreased pituitary function, endocrine hormone disorders, and bringing significant suffering to the patient.

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Pituitary tumor examination items

For patients with pituitary tumors, it is first recommended to perform a cranial CT or MRI examination, and if necessary, a cranial MRI with contrast and a pituitary MRI with contrast can be done to help determine the specific location, size, and relationship of the pituitary tumor with surrounding important blood vessels and nerves. Additionally, blood tests are needed to examine the levels of endocrine hormones in the body, including cortisol, growth hormone, prolactin, thyroid hormones, and other related hormone levels. Furthermore, further examinations of the patient's cardiopulmonary function, such as electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and chest CT scans, are also required.