Benign tumors in the pituitary gland make up ten to 15 percent of all brain tumors. Because accurate subtyping directly impacts the patient's treatment plan, Allina Health researchers wanted to simplify the complex pathology classification process.
"Steroidogenic Factor 1, Pit-1, and Adrenocorticotropic Hormone: A Rational Starting Place for the Immunohistochemical Characterization of Pituitary Adenoma" published online May 26 by the Journal of Archives and Lab Medicine and Pathology describes their process to create an algorithm for pituitary adenomas. The algorithm helps pathologists make a more accurate diagnosis with fewer tests, saving time and reducing costs.
"Histologic classification of pituitary adenomas is complicated but important, because specific medical therapy can be directed at inoperable disease, especially in the case of adenomas that make growth hormone, prolactin or thyroid stimulating hormone" said William McDonald, MD, pathologist at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, part of Allina Health.
Source: Allina Health