Non-functioning Pituitary Adenomas

Abstract

Non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) occur in a substantial proportion of the population. Non-functioning pituitary adenomas occur sporadically and seldom arise as components of familial tumour syndromes. Treatment of non-functioning pituitary adenomas depends on the clinical signs and symptoms, comorbidities and patient preferences. It is a process of shared decision making between the patient and a multidisciplinary team. Surgery is indicated when the pituitary adenoma abuts or compresses the optic chiasm and causes visual field loss or vision loss. The goal of pituitary surgery for NFPA is to prevent patients from incurring bitemporal hemianopsia or restore visual field deficits and/or double vision. In most cases, patients diagnosed with a NFPA need long-term follow-up in order to monitor for tumour growth, alterations in visual field examination, biochemical assessment of the anterior pituitary functions and hormone replacement therapy if needed. Endocrine nurses play a key role in educating patients about the aetiology of NFPA, surgical treatments and hormone replacement therapy.