Non-functioning pituitary adenoma

What it is

From: Orphanet

A rare pituitary tumor originating from normally hormone-producing cells of the adenohypophysis, characterized by a sellar or extrasellar mass manifesting with clinical signs secondary to mass effect, but without evidence for hormonal hypersecretion. Typical manifestations are visual disturbances, headaches, cranial nerve dysfunction, and hypopituitarism but the mass may also be discovered incidentally.

Reported clinical features and what the terms mean

The following findings are associated with this condition in Orphanet. They are not a checklist for diagnosing yourself, and they do not all occur in every affected person. Some are examination, imaging or laboratory findings that cannot be recognised at home.

The frequency labels describe how often a finding was reported among people with the condition in the source. They do not give the chance that a person with that symptom has the condition. Definitions below reproduce HPO terminology; they explain the term, not the likely severity in an individual.

Pituitary adenoma · Very frequent (99-80%)

A benign epithelial tumor derived from intrinsic cells of the adenohypophysis (anterior pituitary).

Abnormal hair quantity · Frequent (79-30%)

An abnormal amount of hair.

Abnormal muscle physiology · Frequent (79-30%)

A functional abnormality of a skeletal muscle.

Abnormality of the menstrual cycle · Frequent (79-30%)

An abnormality of the ovulation cycle.

Abnormality of the pituitary gland · Frequent (79-30%)

An anomaly of the pituitary gland.

Adrenal insufficiency · Frequent (79-30%)

Insufficient production of steroid hormones (primarily cortisol) by the adrenal glands.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency · Frequent (79-30%)

A reduced ability to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), a hormone that stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete of glucocorticoids such as cortisol.

Adrenocorticotropin deficient adrenal insufficiency · Frequent (79-30%)

Adrenal insufficiency secondary to a defect in ACTH production.

Anemia of inadequate production · Frequent (79-30%)

A kind of anemia characterized by inadequate production of erythrocytes.

Anterior hypopituitarism · Frequent (79-30%)

A condition of reduced function of the anterior pituitary gland characterized by decreased secretion of one or more of the pituitary hormones growth hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone.

Central adrenal insufficiency · Frequent (79-30%)

A form of adrenal insufficiency related to a lack of ACTH, which leads to a decrease in the production of cortisol by the adrenal glands. Aldosterone production is not usually affected.

Decreased circulating ACTH level · Frequent (79-30%)

The concentration of corticotropin, also known as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), is below the lower limit of normal in the blood circulation.

Decreased female libido · Frequent (79-30%)

Diminished sexual desire in female.

Decreased response to growth hormone stimulation test · Frequent (79-30%)

Insufficient responses to growth hormone (GH) provocation tests. GH deficiency is defined as a serum peak GH concentration less than 10 ng/mL on provocation with a combination of at least two separate stimulation tests.

Other findings in the same source

From: Orphanet

Additional reported features include Easy fatigability (Frequent (79-30%)); Erectile dysfunction (Frequent (79-30%)); Fatigue (Frequent (79-30%)); Female hypogonadism (Frequent (79-30%)); Headache (Frequent (79-30%)); Hypogonadism (Frequent (79-30%)); Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (Frequent (79-30%)); Hypotension (Frequent (79-30%)); Impotence (Frequent (79-30%)); Increased circulating gonadotropin level (Frequent (79-30%)). This is a selected summary, not a complete description of the condition.

When it may begin

From: Orphanet

Adolescent; Adult; Childhood

Inheritance in the source

From: Orphanet

Not applicable

Frequency and the population described

From: Orphanet

Point prevalence: 1-5 / 10 000; Europe; Class only. Annual incidence: 1-9 / 100 000; Finland; Value and class. Annual incidence: 1-9 / 100 000; Sweden; Value and class. Point prevalence: 6-9 / 10 000; Belgium; Value and class.

Which doctor should you see?

The suggested department for discussing Non-functioning pituitary adenoma is Endocrinology, with a endocrinologist as the relevant type of clinician. General physician / Family Medicine; paediatrician for children. Referral depends on symptoms.

This is an editorial referral starting point. The appropriate clinic depends on the person’s age, symptoms, previous diagnosis and local services. The first clinician can decide whether another specialty or a team is needed; a department label does not confirm the diagnosis.

How to prepare for an assessment

Bring a short timeline of the main symptoms: when they first appeared, whether they are constant or episodic, what seems to change them, and how they affect daily activities. Include previous reports, discharge summaries, current medicines and supplements, allergies, and any relevant family history. A dated record is more useful than trying to match every feature in an online article.

Ask the clinician what is already established and what remains uncertain. If a test is suggested, ask what question it answers, what its limitations are and how the result would change the next step. The information here is not an instruction to arrange every possible test. In children, bring growth, developmental and school information if it is relevant to the concern.

• Which hormone or metabolic finding is important in this case?
• How should test timing and current medicines be taken into account?
• What follow-up would show whether the care plan is working?

Treatment discussions and follow-up

The material gathered for this draft does not provide a complete condition-specific treatment pathway for Non-functioning pituitary adenoma. That gap does not mean that treatment is unavailable. A clinician needs to establish the diagnosis and review current guidance before recommending medicines, procedures, rehabilitation or other support.

Before leaving the appointment, clarify the next review date, who will communicate results, and whom to contact if the situation changes. Discuss difficulties with sleep, work, school, mobility, eating or emotional wellbeing when these are relevant. Practical support may require coordination between the treating clinician and other services.

The collected references do not establish a complete prevention or long-term outlook section for this entry. Missing information should not be interpreted as proof that prevention is impossible or that a particular outcome is inevitable. Ask what is known for the exact subtype, stage and personal circumstances, and which uncertainties remain.

When to seek emergency help

Severe breathing difficulty, collapse, new stroke-like symptoms, a seizure that is prolonged or repeated without recovery, uncontrolled major bleeding, or an immediate risk of self-harm require emergency help. In India, call 112 or reach the nearest emergency department. This is a general, non-exhaustive warning list; it is not a condition-specific triage tool.