Kingdom Ogechi NWANKWO, Victoria WALI, Marvis Somtochukwu MUO
Medical Science and Discovery - 2026;13(10):336-345
Objective: Pituitary adenomas are benign anterior pituitary tumors with a prevalence of 76-116 per 100,000, yet frequently evade detection due to insidious onset and non-specific symptoms, particularly in resource-limited settings. This narrative review synthesizes evidence on epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and management of pituitary adenomas, emphasizing community health implications in low-resource settings. Methods: A literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and African Index Medicus from January 2004 to December 2025. Peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and population-based studies in English were included. Reporting followed the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA). Results: The search identified population-based studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical practice guidelines from high-income and middle-income settings. Population-based studies suggest a clinically relevant prevalence of approximately 78-116 per 100,000 individuals, with some cohorts approaching one case per 1,000. Reported incidence ranges from 3.9 to 7.4 per 100,000 per year, with increases in some regions likely reflecting improved detection. Prolactinomas are the most common functional subtype, while non-functioning adenomas are frequent and typically present with mass effects. Genetic alterations in MEN1, AIP, and PRKAR1A account for approximately 5% of cases arising in familial pituitary adenoma syndromes. The chronic nature of these conditions imposes substantial annual healthcare costs per patient. Conclusions: Community health interventions should prioritize hormonal screening, public awareness, and multidisciplinary endocrine centres in resource-limited settings. Early detection reduces morbidity and economic burden. Limitations include data predominance from high-income countries.
