Pituitary Gland Tumors
Pituitary Gland Tumors are abnormal growths that develop in the pituitary gland—a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland controls many of the body’s hormone functions by releasing hormones that regulate growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Most pituitary gland tumors are noncancerous (benign) and slow-growing, but they can still cause significant health problems due to hormone imbalances or pressure on nearby structures.
Early symptoms depend on the type of tumor and whether it’s affecting hormone production. Common symptoms include headaches, vision changes (especially loss of peripheral vision), unexplained weight changes, fatigue, changes in menstrual cycles, erectile dysfunction, or abnormal growth of hands, feet, or facial features. Some tumors don’t cause symptoms and are found incidentally on imaging scans.
Diagnosis and staging usually involve blood and urine tests to measure hormone levels, MRI imaging of the brain to locate the tumor, and sometimes visual field testing. Biopsy is rarely needed unless the tumor behaves unusually or spreads.
Treatment depends on the tumor’s size, hormone activity, and symptoms. It may include surgery (often via the nose, called transsphenoidal surgery), medications to control hormone levels or shrink the tumor, and in some cases, radiation therapy.
Types of pituitary gland tumors include:
- Prolactinomas (Prolactin-Secreting Tumors): The most common hormone-producing pituitary tumor. Causes symptoms like irregular periods, infertility, or breast milk production in non-pregnant individuals.
- Growth Hormone-Secreting Tumors: Can lead to acromegaly in adults (enlarged hands, feet, facial features) or gigantism in children.
- ACTH-Secreting Tumors: Cause Cushing’s disease, marked by weight gain, high blood pressure, and a round face due to excess cortisol.
- Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas: Do not produce hormones but may cause symptoms due to size and pressure on nearby structures.
- Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)-Secreting Tumors: Rare; may cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
- Pituitary Carcinomas: Extremely rare cancerous tumors that may spread to the brain or spinal cord.
While most pituitary tumors are not life-threatening, early detection and treatment are important to avoid complications from hormone imbalance or nerve compression.
For more information about pituitary gland tumors, please visit the organizations listed below.
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