Abstract

Pituitary tumors, recently renamed pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs), are common intracranial tumors. Historically, they have been considered to be benign and treated as an endocrinological disease. However, many are invasive and some of them exhibit aggressive behavior and, exceptionally, metastasis (carcinoma). We present here a critical review of the PitNET classifications, focusing on a prognostic five-tiered clinicopathological classification, which integrates invasion assessment by imaging, the immunohistological subtype (somatotroph, lactotroph, thyrotroph, corticotroph, gonadotroph), and the proliferation status (mitoses, Ki-67, and p53). Some molecular and genetic markers that have been related to tumor behavior, and theranostic factors (such as expression of the somatostatin receptor and estrogen receptor) related to the response to medical treatment, are also presented. Nowadays, a multimodal approach taking into account histopathological, radiological and novel molecular markers may identify tumors suspected of malignancy requiring careful follow-up, and guide the choice of postoperative treatment. The management of patients with PitNETs must be multidisciplinary, including clinicians, radiologist, and pathologist.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call