Lesions of sellar and parasellar region: a pathologists view

Abstract

Introduction: Sellar and parasellar region is an anatomically intricate area. The lesions include a wide variety of conditions ranging from pituitary adenoma to empty sella syndrome, apoplexy, congenital or acquired conditions, craniopharyngioma and meningioma. Most common of them all is pituitary adenoma. Aims and objectives:To study the various lesions of sellar and parasellar regions including variants of pituitary adenoma and meningiomaand to compare their squash cytology with histopathology diagnosis. Material and methods:Over a period of 3 years all the lesions of sellar and suprasellar region detected clinically and radiologically were studied. Results: The most common lesion was pituitary adenoma (50%) followed by meningioma (28.6%) and craniopharyngioma (21.4%). Among pituitary adenoma the commonest type was somatotroph type. Conclusion: Both neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions occur in the sellar and parasellar region. Clinical and pathological correlation will lead to a specific and accurate diagnosis of the seller and parasellar lesions. Squash cytology findings, if interpreted with clinical picture and radio-imaging findings, will help to reach an accurate and rapid diagnosis of rare intracranial tumors.