Abstract
*Nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas are benign tumours characterised by the absence of hormone overproduction. *Clinical symptoms are caused by the mass effects of the tumour. The main symptoms are pituitary insufficiency, visual field defects, vision impairment and headache. *Treatment is unnecessary for tumours less than 1 cm, and an expectative approach can be used for some patients with larger tumours but no visual field defects. *Transsphenoidal surgery is indicated for patients with visual field defects. *Because nonfunctioning adenomas can recur, lifelong follow-up after treatment is necessary. *Poor quality of life has been reported in treated patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas, which may be due to the intrinsic imperfections of hormonal replacement therapy
Original language | Dutch |
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Pages (from-to) | 792-796 |
Journal | Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde |
Volume | 152 |
Issue number | 14 |
Publication status | Published - 2008 |