Because the symptoms are usually overt, these lesions are usually discovered while very small. This specimen demonstates a fairly large adenoma still attached to the brain. Compressed vessels and nerves are evident at the periphery of the lesion. Infrequently, patients will present with signs of increased intracranial pressure including nausea, vomiting and headache. Compression of the optic chiasm may result in bilateral homonymous hemianopsia.
Most adenomas appear similar on gross examination.
Immunocytochemical methods must be used for a definitive diagnosis.