Which of the following is true about pituitary tumor?a) It is present in 10% of brain tumors b) Erodes the sella and extends into surrounding areac) Prolactinoma is least commond) It is differentiated by reticulin stain
**Core Concept**
Pituitary tumors are benign neoplasms of the pituitary gland that can be functioning or non-functioning. They arise from the adenohypophyseal cells and can cause a variety of endocrine disorders due to hormonal imbalances.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Pituitary tumors are relatively common, with an incidence of approximately 10-15% of all intracranial tumors. The most common type of pituitary tumor is a prolactinoma, which secretes excess prolactin hormone. However, among the options given, option (a) is the correct answer because it accurately reflects the prevalence of pituitary tumors among brain tumors.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because pituitary tumors typically do not erode the sella turcica; instead, they usually expand within the sella or extend into the surrounding suprasellar region through the diaphragma sellae.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because prolactinoma is actually the most common type of functioning pituitary tumor, not the least common.
* **Option D:** This option is incorrect because reticulin stain is not a specific or useful method for differentiating pituitary tumors.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Pituitary tumors can be classified into functioning and non-functioning types based on their ability to produce excess hormones. Functioning tumors can be further sub-classified into adenomas that secrete prolactin, growth hormone, ACTH, or TSH, among others.
**Correct Answer:** A. It is present in 10% of brain tumors.