Intrasellar chordomas mimicking pituitary adenoma.

Abstract

Whereas chordomas involving the sellar region are uncommon, largely or entirely intrasellar examples are rare. The goal in this study was to present examples of these rare tumors as a guide to their proper diagnosis and treatment. The authors report three cases in which the chordomas filled the pituitary fossa and presented as nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas. All lesions exhibited the typical histological patterns and immunophenotype of chordoma. One tumor, studied ultrastructurally and subjected to DNA analysis, was shown to have a diploid histogram. The authors present a clinicopathological study of these three cases and review the literature on intrasellar chordomas. Although these tumors are easily misdiagnosed and therefore may not receive optimal treatment, aggressive surgical resection can yield a favorable prognosis in lesions with a limited extent.