Lesson to be remembered from a skull base tumor

Neurochirurgie. 2017 Sep;63(4):334-335. doi: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2017.04.001. Epub 2017 Sep 4.

Abstract

The natural history of giant prolactinomas is not known. While it is commonly accepted that the enlargement of microadenoma is rare and more limited than macroadenoma, it is so far uncommon that macroadenoma progress to giant adenoma. Thus, spontaneous enlargement of adenomas is poorly documented. We report the unusual history of undiagnosed microprolactinoma, revealed 12years later at the stage of a giant adenoma presenting as a skull base tumor. This unique observation provides information on the natural history of giant adenomas and arguments for particular attention to microadenomas with signs of invasion. Moreover, this clinical case highlights the need for a prolactin dosage for all midline skull base tumors.

Keywords: Pituitary adenoma; Prolactinoma; Skull base tumor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnostic Errors
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / surgery
  • Prolactinoma / diagnosis*
  • Prolactinoma / surgery
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / diagnosis*