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Pituitary
Published in: Pituitary 1/2014

Open Access 01-01-2014

Aggressive tumors and difficult choices in acromegaly

Authors: Carmen A. Carrasco, Mônica Gadelha, Marcos Manavela, Oscar D. Bruno

Published in: Pituitary | Special Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Purpose

The current article looks at some of the factors associated with pituitary adenomas displaying unusually aggressive biological and clinical behaviour in patients with acromegaly.

Methods

This was a retrospective, narrative review of previously published evidence chosen at the authors’ discretion and presented from the perspective of a Latin American case study.

Findings and Conclusions

Although most pituitary tumors in acromegalic patients are benign and non-aggressive many can behave more aggressively, compromising local surrounding structures. These lesions tend to respond poorly to somatostatin analogs, have a higher risk of recurrence after surgery and, thus, a worse prognosis. Patients with more aggressive tumors constitute a particular challenge, as they often require several therapeutic approaches and may be difficult to manage, especially when options are restricted due to limited resources.
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Metadata
Title
Aggressive tumors and difficult choices in acromegaly
Authors
Carmen A. Carrasco
Mônica Gadelha
Marcos Manavela
Oscar D. Bruno
Publication date
01-01-2014
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Pituitary / Issue Special Issue 1/2014
Print ISSN: 1386-341X
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7403
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11102-013-0538-5

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