Pituitary tumour pathogenesis

Abstract

Pituitary adenomas are the most common tumours in the central nervous system, make up approximately 10% of all primary intracerebral tumours [1] and are found incidentally in 3-27% of autopsies [2]. The predisposition to tumour formation of the highly specialized cellular phenotypes that characterize the anterior pituitary is unexplained, but it is tempting to speculate that the same hormones, growth factors and cytokines derived from intra- and extra-pituitary sites that maintain tight hypothalamic pituitary control may also contribute to pituicyte transformation. The interplay between genetic and humoural factors to promote cellular transformation is exemplified in pituitary tumorigenesis and is discussed in this review.