Management of pituitary spindle cell oncocytomas: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Pituitary spindle cell oncocytomas represent a rare pathologic entity within the differential diagnosis for pituitary tumors. As part of a class of tumors that includes low grade non-endocrine pituitary tumors such as pituicytomas and granular cell tumors (GCT), these can have similar characteristics to pituitary adenomas, and are occasionally misdiagnosed as such. We present a case of a 74-year-old woman who presented for work up of persistent headaches and vertigo. MRI brain demonstrated a heterogeneously enhancing soft tissue mass at the left lateral aspect of the sella. Patient underwent a biopsy and resection of the lesion. Histopathological examination is reviewed which revealed a spindle cell oncocytoma. Follow up MRI and examination at 6 months revealed partial resection. Additionally, we present an overview of the literature on clinical characteristics of this tumor and considerations for treatment and follow up.

Keywords

• Pituitary tumors
• Spindle cell oncocytoma
• Transsphenoidal surgery