Pituitary Tumors: A Comprehensive Guide

Pituitary Tumors: Understanding Glandular Growths

Pituitary tumors, also known as pituitary adenomas, are abnormal growths that develop in the pituitary gland. This small gland is located at the base of your brain and plays a crucial role in controlling many of the body’s hormones, including those that regulate metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Although most pituitary tumors are benign (non-cancerous) and slow-growing, they can cause serious health issues by either overproducing hormones or by putting pressure on the pituitary gland and surrounding brain structures.

Types and Symptoms

Pituitary tumors are primarily categorized into two types:

1. Functioning (or Secretory) Tumors: These tumors produce an excess of one or more hormones. The symptoms depend on which hormone is being overproduced. For example, a tumor that secretes prolactin can cause infertility and irregular periods in women and low libido and erectile dysfunction in men. A tumor that overproduces growth hormone can lead to acromegaly in adults (enlarged hands, feet, and facial features) or gigantism in children.
2. Non-Functioning (or Non-Secretory) Tumors: These tumors do not produce hormones. They cause symptoms by growing large enough to press on surrounding nerves and brain tissue. The most common symptom is vision loss, specifically in the outer visual fields, because the tumor is compressing the optic nerves. Other symptoms can include headaches, nausea, and vomiting.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Because of the wide range of symptoms, diagnosing a pituitary tumor can be complex. The process typically involves:

• Blood and Urine Tests: These tests measure hormone levels to determine if a functioning tumor is present.
• MRI: An MRI scan of the brain is the most effective way to visualize the pituitary gland and detect the presence, size, and location of a tumor.
• Vision Tests: Your doctor may order an eye exam to check for vision loss or changes, which can indicate the tumor is pressing on the optic nerves.

Treatment depends on the type, size, and symptoms of the tumor. The main options are:

• Observation: Small, non-functioning tumors that aren’t causing symptoms may simply be monitored with regular MRI scans.
• Medication: For some functioning tumors, particularly those that produce prolactin, medications can be used to shrink the tumor and reduce hormone levels.
• Surgery: Surgical removal is often the first-line treatment for large tumors or those that are causing vision problems. The most common approach is transsphenoidal surgery, where the surgeon accesses the pituitary gland through the nose or upper lip.
• Radiation Therapy: This option is used for tumors that cannot be completely removed with surgery or for those that recur after treatment.