Gangliocytoma combined with a pituitary adenoma:Reports of three cases and literature review

Objectives: Sellar gangliocytomas are extremely rare. Since they present clinically and radiologically as pituitary adenomas, the preoperative diagnosis of these mixed tumors is very difficult. Here, we report three cases of gangliocytoma combined with pituitary adenoma and describe our findings. Methods: The clinical data of the three cases of gangliocytoma combined with pituitary adenoma have been retrospectively analyzed, and the published literature has also been reviewed. Results: All three patients underwent pure endonasal endoscopic surgery, and no recurrence was observed over a follow-up of at least 30 months. Growth hormone(GH)-hypersecreting adenoma and tumor calcification were detected in these mixed tumors. Conclusions: Pure endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal surgery may be an effective way for the treatment of this kind of tumor. Gross total resection of the tumor is recommended. In addition, calcification with GH-hypersecretion may serve as a preoperative diagnostic clue for gangliocytoma in the sella turcica.