Answer and Discussion of Quiz Set: U-001

3.    Extracranial pituitary adenoma is most frequently found in which of the following locations?

A.  Sphenpid sinus.

B.  Clivus.

C.  Pharynx and/or nasopharynx.

D.  Cavernous sinus.

Answer and Discussion: The answer is (A). According to one study (Hori et al., 1999), about 64% of these tumors arises from the sphenoid sinus and another 4% that involves both the sphenoid sinus and pharynx. The clivus may be the least common site.

Further Reading:

Hori A, Schmidt D, Kuebber S. Immunohistochemical survey of migration of human anterior pituitary cells in developmental, pathological, and clinical aspects: a review. Microsc Res Tech. 1999 Jul 1;46(1):59-68.