Granular Cell Tumor in the Pituitary Stalk

Granular Cell Tumor in the Pituitary Stalk

Article
Brain & Nerve
Diseases & Conditions
+3
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBADec 01, 2020

The topic Granular Cell Tumor in the Pituitary Stalk you are seeking is a synonym, or alternative name, or is closely related to the medical condition Granular Cell Tumor of the Sellar Region.

Quick Summary:

  • A Granular Cell Tumor of the Sellar Region is a type of brain tumor. A brain tumor may be described as a mass of abnormally growing cells arising from the brain tissue (brain parenchyma and meninges) or the spinal cord (central spine). The brain along-with the spinal cord constitute the central nervous system (CNS) of the body
  • Broadly, brain tumors are classified as benign (non-cancerous) and malignant. Malignant tumors are cancerous and can spread or metastasize to other regions of the body. They generally exhibit rapid growth and, in some cases, may present symptoms during the early stages of development
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies central nervous system tumors according to their grade and histological subtypes. A tumor subtype is determined by a pathologist after examining a tissue biopsy of the tumor under the microscope. This WHO classification system is used by healthcare professionals all over the world in diagnosing and treating these tumors
  • Granular Cell Tumor of the Sellar Region is a slow-growing benign tumor that arises from the sellar and suprasellar region, at the base of the brain. It is type of a brain tumor that is mostly found in adults over the age of 40 years. It is a poorly-understood and difficult to diagnose tumor only via radiological imaging studies
  • A granular cell tumor (GCT) is a common benign tumor of the soft tissue that can occur anywhere in the body. Over 70% of GCTs involve the head and neck region. In a majority of the cases, the tumor is present as a single nodule; though rarely, the tumor can occur as multiple nodules too. GCT of the Sellar Region is a low-grade tumor, meaning that it is neither aggressive nor it spreads to other regions of the body
  • Per WHO, the tumor is part of a group designated as “tumors of the sellar region”. The sellar region includes the sellar turcica and the pituitary gland. It is located just below the center of the brain and bounded by other vital structures such as the hypothalamus, optic nerve, internal carotid artery, and the brainstem. The pituitary gland is the “master gland” of the body that regulates all the other endocrine glands
  • The cause of formation of Granular Cell Tumor of the Sellar Region is not well-established. It is reported that a combination of several factors may play a role in their formation, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle-related. In general, the risk factors for brain tumors may include presence of certain genetic disorders, exposure to ionized radiation, viral infections, and head trauma
  • Granular Cell Tumor of the Sellar Region is characterized by slow tumor growth during the initial periods. The early signs and symptoms include visual impairments, headaches, nausea and vomiting, and pituitary gland dysfunction, which has the potential to disrupt major endocrinological functions in the body. Severe complications may develop during/from treatment too
  • The treatment for Granular Cell Tumor of the Sellar Region is usually challenging but may primarily involve surgery and radiation therapy, as necessary. Surgery is often challenging due to tumor infiltration into the pituitary gland, its proximity to adjacent critical structures (such as the optic pathway and hypothalamus), and high tumor vascularity. Hormonal therapy is an important component of treatment, depending on the specific combination of signs and symptoms noted in each individual
  • The prognosis for individuals with Granular Cell Tumor of the Sellar Region depend on a wide variety of factors, including the size of the tumor and overall health status of the individual. In a majority, the overall prognosis is unpredictable due to incomplete tumor removals, post-surgical complications, including consequent endocrine system abnormalities and tumor recurrences

Please find comprehensive information on Granular Cell Tumor of the Sellar Region regarding definition, distribution, risk factors, causes, signs & symptoms, diagnosis, complications, treatment, prevention, prognosis, and additional useful information HERE.

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Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
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Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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