Skip to main content
Log in

The history of the treatment of pituitary adenomas

  • Published:
Endocrine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

It is conceivable that the day is not far distant when our present methods of dealing with hypophyseal enlargements, with scalpel, ronguer and curette—new as these measures actually are and as brilliant as the results may often be—will seem utterly crude and antiquated, for it is quite probable that surgery will, in the end, come to play a less, rather than a more important role in ductless gland maladies

Harvey Cushing (1912) (1)

Abstract

The immense history leading to our current understanding and treatment of pituitary pathology is inextricably linked to the evolution of the understanding of the numerous functions of the hypophysis cerebri as the "master gland" of the endocrine system. When the anatomists of old encountered this small organ sequestered "like a nugget in the innermost of Chinese boxes" (2) at the base of the brain, they had no inkling of its importance in the control of multiple target organs in the human body. It would ultimately take two millennia and a vast amount of clinical and laboratory research for its role in the body to eventually become more completely appreciated.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Cushing, H. (1912). The pituitary body and its disorders: clinical states produced by disorders of the hypophysis cerebri. JB Lippincott: Philadelphia, p. 341.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Cushing, H. (1932). Papers relating to the pituitary body, hypothalamus and parasympathetic nervous system. Charles C. Thomas: Springfield, IL, pp. 3–5.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Cushing, H. (1909). JAMA 53, 249–255.

    Google Scholar 

  4. McHenry, L. (1969). In: Garrison’s history of neurology. Charles C. Thomas: Springfield, IL, pp. 3–24.

    Google Scholar 

  5. May, M. (1968). Galen on the usefulness of the parts of the body (de usu partium). Vol. The Ninth Book (the Encephalon, Cranial Nerves, and Cranium). Cornell University Press: Ithica, NY, pp. 424–461.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Medvei, V. (1982). A history of endocrinology. MTP Press: Lancaster, MA, pp. 55–76, 149–211.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Schneider, C. (1655). Dissertatio de osse cribriforme, et sensu ac organo odoratus. Mevii: Wittenbergae.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Schneider, C. (1660). Liber primus de catarrhis. T Mevii and E Schumacheri: Wittebergae.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Lower, R. (1685). In Tractus de corde, J. Redmayne: Londini, pp. 221–239.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Green, J. D. and Harris, G. W. (1947). J. Endocrinol. 5, 136–144.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Willis, T. (1664). Cerebri anatome. Amsterdam, p. 56.

  12. Pordage, S. (1672). Translation of ref. 7, p. 86.

  13. Pait, G. T. and Arnautovic, K. I. (1997). In: Pituitary disorders: comprehensive management. Tindall, G. T. and Krisht, A. F. (ed.). Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins: Baltimore.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Abderhalden, R. (1951). Internal secretion. CIBA Monographs: Bombay, pp. 308–310.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Saunders, J. B. (1950). The illustrations from the works of Andreas Versalius of Brussels. World Publishing: Cleveland, p. 60.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Zuckerman, S. (1954). Lancet 1, 739–743, 789–795.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Lietaud, J. (1742). Essais Anatomiques, Contenant L’histoire Exact de Toutes les Parties qui Composent le Corps de L’homme, Avec la Maniere de Dissequer. Huart: Paris.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Medvei, V. (1991). J. R. Soc. Med. 84, 363–366.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Medvei, V. C. and Wermer, P. (1934). Med. Klinik. 30, 992–994.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Baillie, M. (1797). The morbid anatomy of some of the most important parts of the human body. 2nd ed. London, p. 451.

  21. Petit, J. (1718). Mem. Acad. R. Soc. Paris 99.

  22. de Haen, A. (1760). Pars quinta rationis medendi. Viennae, pp. 264–272.

  23. Hannover, A. (1844). In: Recherches microscopiques sur le systeme nerveux. PG Philipsen: Copenhagen.

    Google Scholar 

  24. Flesch, M. (1884). In: Tagebl. d. Versamml. Deutscher Naturforscher und Aerzte. Magderburg, Germany, pp. 194–196.

  25. Dostoiewsky, A. (1885/86). Arch. Mikr. Anat. Bonn. 26, 592–598.

    Google Scholar 

  26. Johnson, H. (1967). In: A history of neurosurgery. Walker, A. (ed.). Hafner: New York, pp. 152–177.

    Google Scholar 

  27. Schonemann, A. (1892). Virchows Arch. Pathol. Anat. 129, 310–336.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Benda, C. (1900). Berl. Klin. Wochenschr. 37, 1205–1210.

    Google Scholar 

  29. Bailey, P. and Cushing, H. (1928). Am. J. Pathol. 4, 545–564.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Salassa, R. M. Keorns, T. P., Kernohan J. W., Sprague, R. G., and MacCarty, C. S. (1959). J. Clin. Endocrinol. 19, 1523–1539.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Horvarth, E. and Kovacs, K. (1976). Can. J. Neurol. Sci. 3(1), 9–21.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Kovacs, K., Horvath, E., and Ezrin, C. (1977). Parthol. Annu. 12(2), 341–382.

    Google Scholar 

  33. Labat-Moleur, F., Trouillas, J., Seret-Begue, D., Kujas, M., Delisle, M. B., and Ronin, C. (1991). Pathol. Res. Pract. 187(5), 534–538.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Lloyd, R. V., Kovacs, K., Young, W. F. Jr., et al. In: World Health Organization classification of tumours. Pathology and genetics of tumours of endocrine organs. IARC Press: Lyon, pp. 10–13.

  35. Babinski, J. (1900). Rev. Neurol. 8, 531–533.

    Google Scholar 

  36. Froelich, A. (1901). Wien Klin. Wochenschr. 15, 883–906.

    Google Scholar 

  37. Jocobson, D. (1966). In: The pituitary gland. Harris, D. B. (ed.). University of California Press: Berkeley, pp. 1–21.

    Google Scholar 

  38. Goetsch, E. (1916). Bull. Johns Hopkins Hosp. 27, 29–50.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Sisson, R. and Broyles, E. N. (1921). Bull. Johns Hopkins Hosp. 32, 22–30.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Crowe, S. J., Cushing, H. and Homans, J. (1910). Bull. Johns Hopkins Hosp. 21, 127–169.

    Google Scholar 

  41. Marienesco, M. (1892). C. R. Hebd. Seances. Mem. Sc. Biol. 9, 509–510.

    Google Scholar 

  42. Vassale, G. and Sacchi, E. (1892). Riv. Sper. Freniat. 18, 525–561.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Vassale, G. and Sacchi, E. (1984). Riv. Sper. Freniat. 20, 83–88.

    Google Scholar 

  44. Paulesco, N. (1907). J. Physiol. Pathol. Genet. 9, 441–456.

    Google Scholar 

  45. Redford, L. L. and Cushing, H. (1909). Bull. Johns Hospkins Hosp. 20, 105–107.

    Google Scholar 

  46. Ascoli, G. and Legnani, T. (1912). Muenchn. Med. Wochrnschr. 59, 518–521.

    Google Scholar 

  47. Bell, W. (1917). Q. J. Exp. Physiol. 11, 77–126.

    Google Scholar 

  48. Ascher, B. (1912). Fleugers Arch. Ges. Physiol. 146, 1–146.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Thorn, G. W., Horsham, P. H. and Emerson, K. (1951). The diagnosis and treatment of adrenal insufficiency, 2nd ed. Charles C Thomas: Springfield, IL, p. 182.

    Google Scholar 

  50. Walker, A. (1955). Clin. Neurosurg. 1, 188–190.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Verga, A. (1864). In: Rendicont: 1st di lombardia. Milano, p. 111.

  52. Jane, J. A. Jr. and Laws, E. R. (2001). In: Handbook of acromegaly. Wass, J. (ed.). Bioscientifica.

  53. Brigidi, V. (1881). Archivo di Scuola Anatomie e Patologia di Universita di Firenze, pp. 65–92.

  54. Marie, P. (1886). Rev. Med. Liege 6, 297–333.

    Google Scholar 

  55. Marie, P. and Marinesco, G. (1891). Arch. Med. Exp. Anat. Pathol. 3, 539–565.

    Google Scholar 

  56. Marie P. and de Souza-Leite, J. D. (1891). Essays on acromegaly. New Sydenham Society: London.

    Google Scholar 

  57. Minkowski, O. (1887). Berl. Klin. Wochenschr. 24, 371–374.

    Google Scholar 

  58. Tamburini, A. (1894). Riv. Sper. Freniat. 20, 559–574.

    Google Scholar 

  59. Hutchinson, W. (1900). N. Y. Med. J. 72, 89–100, 133–145.

    Google Scholar 

  60. Hirsch, O. (1910). Wien Klin. Wochenschr. 23, 563–565.

    Google Scholar 

  61. Hirsch, O. (1911). Arch. Laryngol. Rhinol. 24, 129–177.

    Google Scholar 

  62. Landolt, A. (1997). In: A history of neurosurgery. Greenblatt, S. H., Dagi, T. F. and Epstein, M. H. (eds.). Theieme, pp. 373–400.

  63. Cushing, H. (1933). Arch. Inten. Med. 51, 487–557.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  64. Riddle, O., Bates, R. W. and Dykshorn, S. W. (1932). Proc. Soc. Exper. Biol. Med. 29, 1211–1212.

    Google Scholar 

  65. Argonz, J. and Del Castillo, E. (1953). J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 13, 79–87.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  66. Forbes, A. P., Henneman, P. H., Griswold, J. C., and Albright, E. (1954). J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 14, 265–271.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  67. Lanzino, G., Maartens, N. F., and Laws, E. R. (2002), J. Neurosurg. 97, 231–234.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Cushing, H. (1932). Bull. Johns Hopkins Hosp. 1(3), 137–192.

    Google Scholar 

  69. Horsely, V. (1886). Lancet 2, 5.

    Google Scholar 

  70. Caton, R. and Paul, F. (1893). BMJ 2, 1421–1423.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Kiliani, O. (1904). Ann. Surg. 40, 35–43.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  72. Krause, F. (1905). Dtsch. Klin. 8, 953–1024.

    Google Scholar 

  73. Krause, F. (1927). Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. 53, 691–694.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  74. Liu, J. K., Das, K., Weiss, M. H., Laws, E. R., and Couldwell, W. T. (2001). J. Neurosurg. 95, 1083–1096.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  75. Horsley, V. (1906). BMJ 2, 411–423.

    Google Scholar 

  76. Cope, V. (1916). Br. J. Surg. 4, 107–144.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  77. Pollock, J. R. Akinwunmi, J., Scaravilli, F., and Powell, M. P. (2003). Neurosurgery 52(4), 914–926.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  78. Cushing, H. (1914). JAMA 63, 1515–1525.

    Google Scholar 

  79. McArthur, L. (1918). Surg. Clin. Chicago 2, 691–699.

    Google Scholar 

  80. McArthur, L. (1912). JAMA 58, 2009–2011.

    Google Scholar 

  81. Frazier, C. (1913). Surg. Gynecol. Obstet. 17, 724–736.

    Google Scholar 

  82. Frazier, C. (1928). Ann. Surg. 88, 1–5.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  83. Silbermark, M. (1910). Wien Klin. Wochnschr. 23, 467–468.

    Google Scholar 

  84. Heuer, G. (1920). Arch. Surg. 1, 368–381.

    Google Scholar 

  85. Heuer, G. (1931). Surg. Gynecol. Obstet. 53, 489–518.

    Google Scholar 

  86. Adson, A. (1918). JAMA 71, 721–726.

    Google Scholar 

  87. Halstead, A. (1910). Surg. Gynecol. Obstet. 10, 494–502.

    Google Scholar 

  88. Fahlbusch, R., Honegger, J., Paulus, W., Huk, W., and Buchfelder, M. (1999). J. Neurosurg. 90(2), 237–250.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  89. Guidetti, B., Fraioli, B., and Cantore, G. P. (1987). Acta Neurochir. (Wien) 85, 117–124.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  90. Schloffer, H. (1906). Beitr. Klin. Chir. 50, 767–817.

    Google Scholar 

  91. Schloffer, H. (1907). Wien Klin. Wochenschr. 20, 621–624.

    Google Scholar 

  92. Guiot, G. (1978). In: European workshop on the treatment of pituitary adenomas. Fahlbusch, W. K. (ed.). Thieme: Stuttgart, pp. 202–218.

    Google Scholar 

  93. Hardy, J. (1969). Clin. Neurosurg. 16, 185–217.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  94. Gobo. D. (1997). In: A history of neurosurgery. Greenblatt, S. H., Dagi, T. F. and Epstein, M. H., (eds.). Thieme: pp. 223–246.

  95. Castiglioni, A. (1947). In: A history of medicine. Alfred A. Knopf: New York, pp. 1065–1074.

    Google Scholar 

  96. Roentgen, W. (1967). In: Nobel lectures, physics 1901–1921. Elsevier: Amsterdam.

    Google Scholar 

  97. Morton, W. (1896). The X-ray or photography of the invisible and its value to surgery. American Technical Book Company: New York.

    Google Scholar 

  98. Fulton, J. (1946). Harvey Cushing: a biography. Charles C. Thomas: Springfield, IL, p. 711.

    Google Scholar 

  99. Oppenheim, H. (1908). Lehrbuch der Nervenfrankheiten fur Arzte und Studierende. 5th ed. S. Karger: Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  100. Hardy, J. (1969). Clin. Neurosurg. 16, 185–216.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  101. Vezina, J. L. and Mattais, R. (1973). Neurochirurgie 19(Suppl. 2), 35–56.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  102. Luckett, W. (1913). Surg. Gynecol. Obstet. 17, 237–240.

    Google Scholar 

  103. Stewart, W. (1913). A. M. J. Roent. 1, 83–87.

    Google Scholar 

  104. Dandy, W. (1918). Ann. Surg. 68, 5–11.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  105. Dandy, W. (1919). Ann. Surg. 70, 397–403.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  106. Ziedes des Plantes, B. (1973). Selected works of B.G. Ziedes des Plantes, in Excerpta Medica. Amsterdam.

  107. Oldendorf, W. (1980). The quest for an image of brain. Raven Press: New York.

    Google Scholar 

  108. Bracewell, R. N. and Riddle, A. C. (1967). Atrophys. J. 150, 427–434.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  109. Bracewell, R. N. (1956). Aust. J. Phys. 9, 198–219.

    Google Scholar 

  110. Hounsfield, G. (1973). Br. J. Radiol. 46, 1016–1022.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  111. Landolt, A. M., Valavanis, A., Girard, J., and Eberle, A. N. (1986). Clin. Endocrinol. (Oxf.). 25(6), 308–315.

    Google Scholar 

  112. Guiot, G., Rougerie, J. and Brion, S. (1958). Ann. Chir. 12, 689–695.

    Google Scholar 

  113. Guiot, G. and Thibaut, B. (1959). Neurochirurgia (Stuttg.) 1, 133–150.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  114. Hardy, J. and Wigget, S. (1965). J. Neurosurg. 23, 612–620.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  115. Kaye, A. H. and Rosewarne, F. (1990). J. Neurosurg. 73(2), 311–312.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  116. Jane, J. A. Jr., Thapar, K., Alden, T. D., and Laws, E. R. Jr. (2001). Neurosurgery 48, 1302–1308.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  117. Elias, W. J., Chadduck, J. B., Alden, T. D., and Laws, E. R. Jr. (1999). Neurosurgery 45, 271–277.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  118. Nimsky, C., Ganslandt, O., Von Keller, B., Romstock, J., and Fahlbusch. R. (2004). Radiology 233(1), 67–68.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  119. Heller, H. (1970). In: Pharmacology of the endocrine system and related drugs: the neurohypophysis. Peters, G. (ed.). Pergamon Press: Oxford.

    Google Scholar 

  120. Santorini, G. (1724). Observationes anatomicae. JB Recurti: Venetis, p. 70.

    Google Scholar 

  121. Oliver, G. and Schafer, E. (1895). J. Physiol. (London) 18, 277–279.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  122. Schafer, E. (1895). Lancet 2, 321–324.

    Google Scholar 

  123. Evans, H. M. and Long, J. (1922). Proc. Natl. Sci. Acad. USA 8, 38–39.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  124. Smith, P. E. and Engle, E. (1927). Am. J. Anat. 40, 159–217.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  125. Riddle, O. (1933). Am. J. Physiol. 105, 191–216.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  126. Riddle, O. (1963). J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 31, 1039–1110.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  127. Seyle, H. (1947). In: Textbook of endocrinology. University of Montreal: Montreal, pp. 197–319.

    Google Scholar 

  128. Li, C. H., Simpson, M., and Evans, H. M. (1940). Endocrinology 27, 803–808.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  129. Li, C. H., Simpson, M., and Evans, H. M. (1949). Science 109, 445–446.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  130. Li, C. H., Simpson, M., and Evans, H. M. (1943). J. Biol. Chem. 149, 413–424.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  131. Li, C. H., Evans, H. M., and Simpson, M. (1945). J. Biol. Chem. 159, 353–366.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  132. Frank, J. (1974). De Curandis Hominum Morbis Epitome. CF Schwann and CF Goetz: Mannheim, pp. 38–67.

    Google Scholar 

  133. Frank, A. (1912). Berl. Klin. Wochenschr. 49, 393–397.

    Google Scholar 

  134. Kamm, O., et al. (1928). J. Am. Chem. Soc. 66, 573–601.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  135. Du Vigneaud, V., Gish, D. T. and Katsoyannis, P. G. (1954). J. Am. Chem. Soc. 76, 4571–4752.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  136. Jane, J. A. Jr. and Laws, E. R. Jr. (2001). J. Am. Coll. Surg. 193(6), 651–659.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  137. Fluckiger, E. and Wagner, H. R. (1971). Experientia 24, 1130–1131.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  138. Besser, G. M., Parks, L., Edwards, C. R. W., Forsyth, I. D., and McNeilly, A. S. (1972). Br. Med. J. 3, 669–672.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  139. Lutterbeck, P. M., Pryor, J. S., Varga, L., and Wenner, R. (1971). Br. Med. J. 3, 228–229.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  140. Varga, L., Lutterbeck, P., Pryor, J. S., Wenner, R., and Erb, H. (1972). Br. Med. J. 2, 743–744.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  141. Thorner, M.O., McNeilly, A. S., Hagan, C., and Besser, G. M. (1974). Br. Med. J. 2(916), 419–422.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  142. Corenblum, B., Webster, B. R. and Mortimer, C. B. (1975). Clin. Res. 23, 614 (Abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  143. Landolt, A. M., Wuthrich, R. and Fellman, H. (1979). Lancet 1, 1082–1083.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  144. Brazeau, P., Vale, W., Burgus, R., et al. (1973). Science 179, 77–79.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  145. Pless, J., Bauer, W., Briner, U. et al. (1986). Scand. J. Gastroenterol. 119(Suppl.), 54–64.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  146. Vale, W., Rivier, J., Ling, N., and Brown, M. (1978). Metabolism 27(9 Suppl. 1), 1175–1178.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  147. Thorner, M. O., Strasburger, C. J., Wu, Z., et al. (1999). J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 84(6), 2098–3013.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  148. van der Lely, A. J., Hutson, R. K., Trainer, P. J., et al. (2001). Lancet 358, 1754–1759.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  149. Gramegna, A. (1909). Rev. Neurologie 17, 15–17.

    Google Scholar 

  150. Jaugeas, F. (1910). Arch. Roentg. Ray 15, 87–89.

    Google Scholar 

  151. Beclere, A. (1909). Bulletins et Memoires de la Societe des Hospitaux de Paris Pediatrie de Paris 27, 274.

    Google Scholar 

  152. Heinemann, J. L. and Czerny, L. (1926). Strahlentherapie 24, 331–335.

    Google Scholar 

  153. Dyke, C. G. and Gross, S. W. (1931). Bull. Neurol. Inst. New York 1, 211–228.

    Google Scholar 

  154. Bailey, P. (1925). Ann. J. Roentgenol. Radiol. Ther. 13, 48–53.

    Google Scholar 

  155. Rand, C. W. and Taylor, R. G. (1935). Arch. Surg. 30, 103–150.

    Google Scholar 

  156. Sosman, M. (1939). JAMA 113, 1282–1285.

    Google Scholar 

  157. Frazier, C., (1930). Arch. Neurol. Psychiatry 23, 656–695.

    Google Scholar 

  158. Grant, F. (1939). JAMA 113, 1279–1282.

    Google Scholar 

  159. Cushing, H. (1932). Intracranial tumors: notes upon a series of two thousand verified cases with surgical mortality percentages pertaining thereto. Charles C. Thomas: Springfield, IL.

    Google Scholar 

  160. Larsson, B., Leksell, L., Rexed, B., Sourander, P., Mair, W., and Andersson, B. (1958). Nature 182(4644), 1222–1223.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  161. Wass, J. A., Turner, H., and Adams, C. B. (1999). Pituitary 2(1), 51–54.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nicholas F. Maartens.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Maartens, N.F. The history of the treatment of pituitary adenomas. Endocr 28, 9–26 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1385/ENDO:28:1:009

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/ENDO:28:1:009

Key Words

Navigation