Pronounced: Pi-TU-eh-tar-E ad-eh-NO-muh
The pituitary is a small gland. It is at the base of the brain. The gland makes hormones that regulate growth and the activity of other glands. A pituitary adenoma is an abnormal growth, or tumor, in this gland. Pituitary adenomas are benign. This means they are not cancerous. They do not spread to other parts of the body. The growths can lead to vision and growth problems. It can also disrupt the hormonal balance.
The cause is unknown. Some tumors have been associated with changes in DNA. These can be inherited.
Tumors can also be a result of exposure to cancer causing substances. In some cases the DNA changes may occur for no known reason.
Factors that increase your chance of pituitary adenoma include:
Symptoms can vary quite a bit. It will depend on whether or not the tumor is secreting hormones. The tumor's location at the base of the brain can also cause symptoms.
General symptoms may include:
Symptoms from Prolactin Secreting Adenoma (40% of all cases)
Symptoms from Thyrotropin-secreting Adenoma
Symptoms from Corticotropin-secreting Adenoma:
Growth Hormone-secreting Adenoma
Pituitary adenomas may also be associated with the following conditions:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may be referred to an endocrinologist. This is a doctor that focuses on these glands. Tests may include:
Special Tests
Treatment depends on the presence and type of hormones being secreted. It is not uncommon for these treatment options to be used in combination. Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you.
Treatment options include:
Surgery is often done to remove the tumor. The pituitary gland may be damaged during surgery. This can be treated with medications. They will replace certain hormones produced by the pituitary.
Medications can control symptoms and sometimes shrink the tumor. They can block hormone secretion Medications may include:
Radiation therapy involves the use of radiation to kill tumor cells. The types of radiation therapy used to treat pituitary adenomas include:
RESOURCES:
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/
Hormone Foundation
http://www.hormone.org/
Pituitary Network Association
http://www.pituitary.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.ca/
Canadian Health Network
http://www.canadian-health-network.ca/
References:
Becker A, Daly AF: The clinical, pathological, and genetic features of familial isolated pituitary adenomas. Eur J Endocrinol 2007;57:371-82.
Beshay VE, Beshay JE, Halvorson LM: Pituitary tumors: diagnosis, management, and implications for reproduction. Semin Reprod Med 2007;25:388-401.
Detailed guide: pituitary tumor. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_3x.asp?rnav=cridg&dt=61 . Accessed November 8, 2005.
Pituitary tumors information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/pituitary_tumors/pituitary_tumors.htm . Accessed November 8, 2005.
Pituitary tumors (PDQ): treatment. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/pituitary/patient . Accessed November 8, 2005.
Last reviewed January 2009 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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