Tumors of the nasal cavity occurring after hypophysectomy.

Olfactory neuroblastoma and malignant melanoma of the nasal cavities as second primary tumors after resection of pituitary adenomas in two patients are described. These cases, which seem to be the first documented in the literature, demonstrate the problems in diagnosis and treatment. Because of its rare occurrence, a second primary tumor may not be suspected when symptoms develop in the region of a previous hypophysectomy. A close follow-up after hypophysectomy for pituitary adenoma is recommended for the early detection of a second primary tumor. Pathogenetic considerations are discussed.