Differential diagnosis of pituitary tumors

Many parasellar lesions, tumorous and nontumorous, may mimic pituitary adenomas clinically, endocrinologically, and radiologically (Table 1). Certain clinical patterns do, at times, lead suspicion toward the correct diagnosis, whereas at other times, even with appropriate tests, the diagnosis may be difficult. For most of these lesions, the treatment of choice is distinctly different from that of a pituitary tumor, therefore, correct diagnosis is of paramount importance. After a brief general discussion of the presenting symptoms and signs of tumors in this region, as well as the radiologic manifestations, some specific discussion of these entities will be presented.