Pituitary tumors composed of adenohypophysial adenoma and Rathke's cleft cyst elements: a clinicopathological study.

Nine cases of pituitary tumors composed of mixed tissue elements of adenohypophysial adenoma and Rathke's cleft cyst are reported. All cases were associated with hyperprolactinemia and were managed by transsphenoidal adenomectomy with good results. The clinical and pathological features are presented, and embryological pathogenesis for the occurrence of this unique association is discussed in connection with the high incidence of immunoreactive S-100 protein cells identified in tumor tissues. Patients with this kind of pituitary tumor can be managed in the same fashion as patients with other types of pituitary adenoma.