The University of Toledo Translation Journal of Medical Sciences 
Internal Medicine Abstract, Department of Medicine Research Symposium UTJMS 2023 May 5; 11(1):e1-e1 

Lung Cancer Metastasis to the Pituitary 
Gland 
Basil Akpunonu1*, J. Kilbane Myers1, A. Abdelrahman1 

1Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Toledo, 
Toledo, OH 43614 
*Corresponding author: Basil.Akpunonu@utoledo.edu

Published: 05 May 2023 

Introduction: Common sites of lung cancer metastasis include the bone, brain, liver, and adrenal gland. 
Cancer metastasis to the pituitary gland or sellar region is a rare finding. Here, we present a case of 
pituitary gland metastasis from underlying lung cancer in a patient presenting with a predominance of 
pituitary symptoms.      

Case Report: A 48-year-old white female with a 36 pack-year smoking history presented to the hospital 
with chief complaints of worsening fatigue, intractable headaches, and blurred vision over the past three 
months. Associated symptoms included daily nausea, progressive anorexia with 25-lb weight loss, 
lightheadedness, exertional shortness of breath, cold intolerance, hair loss, dry skin, polyuria, polydipsia, 
abdominal pain, and diarrhea. She smoked one pack of cigarettes daily since the age of 12, and she did 
not drink alcohol. Mother died of lung cancer at age 58.  A brain MRI done two months earlier revealed 
a large mass in the pituitary gland and sella turcica area. Biochemical test abnormalities consistent with 
pituitary hormonal insufficiencies were noted, and subsequent imaging showed an enlarging pituitary 
mass and extensive metastases to the bones, brain, liver, adrenal gland, and lymph nodes. CT Scan of the 
lungs with contrast showed a macrolobulated mass 2.5 x 2.4 x 2.3cm in the left upper lung.  Bone biopsy 
was consistent with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the lung as the primary site. 

Conclusion: Cancer metastasis to the pituitary gland is rare.  Worsening pituitary symptoms with an 
enlarging pituitary mass and widespread metastases should alert consideration for pituitary metastasis 
and a search for a primary cancer site. 

https://dx.doi.org/10.46570/utjms.vol11-2023-686 

https://dx.doi.org/10.46570/utjms.vol11-2023-686
mailto:Basil.Akpunonu@utoledo.edu