Functional gonadotroph adenomas.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Functional gonadotroph tumors (FGTs) are rare tumors of the anterior pituitary gland which produce and secrete gonadotropins leading to symptoms. Given that these tumors are not common, there is limited information available regarding optimal management. RECENT FINDINGS: Symptoms attributable to gonadotropin secretion are often nonspecific in men and is often underrecognized in women. Consequently, many patients present with symptoms related to tumor mass effect, including visual changes and/or headaches, and are subsequently - or retrospectively - recognized to have an FGT. SUMMARY: A high level of clinical suspicion and thorough investigations will allow for detection of FGT. Like other pituitary tumors, surgery is the primary form of treatment. Although long-term follow-up data are limited given the rarity of this tumor, recurrence is reported and therefore long-term follow-up is necessary.