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Differential Diagnosis for Enlarged Pituitary

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Pituitary Adenoma: This is the most common cause of an enlarged pituitary gland. Pituitary adenomas are benign tumors that can cause an increase in the size of the pituitary gland, leading to symptoms such as headaches, vision changes, and hormonal imbalances.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Hyperplasia: An increase in the number of cells in the pituitary gland, often in response to an underlying hormonal imbalance or other medical condition.
  • Pituitary Apoplexy: A condition where the pituitary gland suddenly hemorrhages or becomes infarcted, leading to a rapid increase in size and potentially life-threatening symptoms.
  • Lymphocytic Hypophysitis: An autoimmune condition where the pituitary gland becomes inflamed, leading to an increase in size and potential hormonal deficiencies.
  • Craniopharyngioma: A type of brain tumor that can compress or invade the pituitary gland, leading to an increase in size and hormonal imbalances.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Pituitary Carcinoma: A rare but aggressive type of cancer that can cause an enlarged pituitary gland and has a high mortality rate if left untreated.
  • Metastatic Disease: Cancer that has spread to the pituitary gland from another part of the body, which can cause an increase in size and hormonal imbalances.
  • Granulomatous Disease: Conditions such as sarcoidosis or tuberculosis that can cause inflammation and enlargement of the pituitary gland.
  • Infectious Diseases: Such as abscesses or meningitis that can affect the pituitary gland and cause an increase in size.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Rathke's Cleft Cyst: A rare congenital condition where a cyst forms in the pituitary gland, leading to an increase in size and potential hormonal imbalances.
  • Pituitary Gangliocytoma: A rare type of tumor that can cause an enlarged pituitary gland and hormonal imbalances.
  • Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: A rare condition where abnormal immune cells accumulate in the pituitary gland, leading to an increase in size and potential hormonal deficiencies.
  • Germinoma: A rare type of brain tumor that can compress or invade the pituitary gland, leading to an increase in size and hormonal imbalances.

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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