Open Access
CC BY 4.0 · J Neurol Surg Rep 2025; 86(04): e245-e248
DOI: 10.1055/a-2753-9561
Case Report

Dual Hormonal Presentation in a Rare Sellar Gangliocytoma: Diagnostic and Pathological Insights from a Collision Tumor

Authors

  • Oyku Ozturk

    1   Department of Neurosurgery, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
  • Mehmet A. Inan

    2   Department of Pathology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
  • Muhittin Akalin

    3   Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
  • Muammer M. Sahin

    3   Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
  • Emrah Celtikci

    1   Department of Neurosurgery, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye

Funding Information This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Abstract

Background

Gangliocytomas of the sellar region are rare, well-differentiated, benign tumors that may coexist with pituitary adenomas, forming so-called “collision tumors.” These lesions often present with endocrine dysfunction, most commonly acromegaly.

Case Description

We report a 69-year-old female who presented with drug-resistant headaches, acromegalic features, and signs of Cushing's disease. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a sellar mass with extension into the clivus. Endoscopic transsphenoidal resection revealed a tumor composed of ganglion cells and adenohypophyseal components. Immunohistochemistry confirmed a diagnosis of gangliocytoma coexisting with a hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma. Postoperative hormonal normalization was achieved.

Conclusion

Sellar gangliocytomas with dual hormonal activity pose diagnostic challenges and highlight the importance of histological and immunohistochemical evaluation. Awareness of these rare entities can prevent misdiagnosis and support appropriate surgical management.

Ethical Approval

This study was conducted in accordance with institutional ethical standards. Ethical approval was obtained from the local ethics committee of our institution following a formal review of the research protocol.


Informed Consent

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case and any accompanying images.


Note

M.A.I. is currently affiliated with Department of Pathology, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye




Publication History

Received: 22 July 2025

Accepted: 02 October 2025

Article published online:
03 December 2025

© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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