Pituitary Tumors
What is it?
Pituitary tumors are abnormal growths on the
pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a small
oval shaped gland situated in a bony hollow at the
base of the brain. It is the most important of the
endocrine glands because it regulates and controls
the secretion of hormones that can have a
seriously broad range of effects on metabolism,
growth and development, sexuality, and
reproductive functions. Pituitary tumors that grow
from gland tissue (adenomas) and tumors that occur
in children and adolescents (craniopharyngiomas)
are the most common types. They are usually benign
and spread slowly. Even malignant tumors rarely
spread to other areas of the body. However, as a
result of these tumors, there is a possibility of
any one of more than a dozen pituitary diseases
occurring.
Who gets it?
According to a new study from the Pituitary
Network Association, one out of five adults
worldwide may have a non-cancerous tumor of their
pituitary gland and at least one third of these
tumors may be clinically active. Although
pituitary tumors usually develop between the ages
of 30 and 40, half of all pituitary tumors occur
in children, with symptoms usually appearing
between the ages of five and ten.
What causes it?
The cause of pituitary tumors is unknown, but
may be genetic.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms related to the tumor’s location, size
and pressure on neighboring structures include:
headaches, impaired vision, drooping eyelid and
seizures. Symptoms related to hormonal imbalance
include: excessive sweating and thirst, loss of
appetite, sexual dysfunction, inability to
tolerate cold temperatures, nausea, high sodium
levels in blood, irregular menses, frequent
urination, dry skin, constipation, premature or
delayed puberty, delayed growth in children, low
blood pressure and low blood sugar.
How is it diagnosed?
Pituitary tumors are diagnosed as a result of
the patient’s own observations, medical history
and physical examination. Laboratory studies of
the patient’s blood and cerebrospinal fluid are
taken, plus, x-rays of the skull and other studies
that provide images of the inside of the brain.
Vision tests and a urinalysis and a urinalysis may
be done.
What is the treatment?
While some pituitary tumors stabilize without
treatment and some treatments are determined by
the type of tumor and whether it’s invaded
tissues, others bring on serious symptoms in the
patient that require emergency treatment. A
neurosurgeon will operate immediately to remove
the tumor (adenectomy) or pituitary gland (hypophysectomy)
of a patient whose vision is deteriorating
rapidly. Also, patients who have pituitary
apoplexy and experience severe headaches, a stiff
neck and sensitivity to light, are considered
candidates for emergency treatment. The best
imaging technique for patients with these symptoms
is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Some patients
do well with proton beam radiosurgery. In this
process, high energy particles are used in the
form of a beam to destroy an overactive gland.
Hormone secreting tumors can be successfully
treated with surgery, radiation and drugs. Removal
of the pituitary gland requires lifelong hormone
replacement therapy.
Self-Care Tips
Following treatment as prescribed by your
health care provider, pituitary tumors are usually
curable. Pituitary tumor patients should wear
medical identification tags identifying their
condition and the hormonal replacement medicines
they take.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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