Neglected Giant Pituitary Adenoma: A Unique Case Report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64229/ehb2ek06Keywords:
Pituitary adenoma, Pituitary neuroendocrine tumor, Giant prolactinoma, Invasive tumor, Transcranial surgeryAbstract
A 44-year-old male who had been diagnosed with a prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma 13 years earlier remained untreated, resulting in progressive enlargement of the lesion into a giant invasive tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 68 × 72 mm solid–cystic mass extending from the clivus to the suprasellar cistern and right cavernous sinus, with circumferential encasement of the internal carotid artery. The patient presented with progressive visual impairment and headache. Surgical resection was performed via a right pterional craniotomy, and histopathology confirmed prolactinoma. This case highlights that even histologically benign pituitary neuroendocrine tumors can become aggressive and invasive when left untreated, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis, adherence to medical therapy, and timely surgical intervention to prevent irreversible neuro-ophthalmologic complications.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Zeliha Cosgun, Yasar Dagistan, Emine Dagistan, Melike Elif Kalfaoglu (Author)
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