Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Narrative Review of Epidemiology, Classification, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management
Keywords:
pituitary neuroendocrine tumors, PitNETs, pituitary adenoma, diagnosis, managementAbstract
This narrative review aimed to summarize current evidence on the epidemiology, classification, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, histopathology, management, and prognosis of PitNETs. Literature searches were conducted through PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar using combinations of terms related to PitNETs, pituitary adenomas, epidemiology, classification, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, MRI, histopathology, treatment, recurrence, and prognosis. The reviewed evidence indicates that PitNETs range from incidental and clinically nonfunctioning tumors to hormone-secreting tumors associated with distinct endocrine syndromes. Recent classification systems emphasize transcription factor-based lineage determination, particularly PIT1, TPIT, and SF1, reflecting the biological heterogeneity of these tumors. Genetic alterations, epigenetic regulation, intracellular signaling abnormalities, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress contribute to tumor development and behavior. Diagnosis requires integration of hormonal evaluation, pituitary magnetic resonance imaging, visual assessment when indicated, and histopathological examination. Management is individualized according to hormonal activity, tumor size, anatomical extension, visual or neurological involvement, and residual or recurrent disease. Long-term follow-up remains important because hormonal abnormalities, hypopituitarism, tumor recurrence, treatment-related complications, and impaired quality of life may persist despite treatment.
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