PRIMARY PITUITARY TUMORS

Abstract

Tumors of the pituitary body are usually recognized by either or both of two general symptoms: those directly due to pressure of the growth on adjacent structures and those due to glandular dysfunction. The commonest pressure phenomena observed are encroachment on the optic chiasm producing visual field cuts, and deformity of the sella turcica from increased tension within. The changes of glandular origin may be due to a disturbance of the anterior or posterior lobes of the pituitary body, of adjoining tissues, or of distant glands of internal secretion. The functions of these various organs and their interrelationship are not definitely established and this fact makes the interpretation of some of the symptoms of primary pituitary disease difficult. Some rather conclusive experimental work has been done on the functions of the anterior lobe of the pituitary body. For the purpose of this analysis fifty cases of primary pituitary tumors were