PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What type of pituitary tumor is the most common?

1. Adenoma

2. Craniopharyngioma

3. Prolactinoma

4. Gonadotropinoma

The correct answer is: Prolactinoma

The most common type of pituitary tumor is an adenoma, which is a benign tumor arising from the pituitary gland. While prolactinomas, which are a subtype of adenomas, are the most frequently diagnosed functional pituitary tumors due to their secretion of prolactin, adenomas overall encompass a variety of types, including those that secrete different hormones or are non-functioning. Adenomas can be classified based on the hormones they produce, such as growth hormone-secreting adenomas (causing acromegaly), ACTH-secreting adenomas (causing Cushing's disease), and TSH-secreting adenomas (affecting thyroid function). The prevalence of adenomas, especially when considering all types (including functional and non-functional), supports this classification as the most common type overall. Craniopharyngiomas are considered a separate category of tumors that arise from remnants of the Rathke's pouch and are not classified under adenomas. They are typically seen in pediatric populations and are benign but can exert significant pressure effects on the surrounding brain structures. Gonadotropinomas are another rare type of pituitary adenoma that secretes gonadotropins. While they can occur, they