- Pituitary tumors are growths, usually benign, that occur within the pituitary gland and are also known as pituitary adenomas. These tumors can be broken down into two types: secreting and non-secreting. Secreting tumors produce excessive amounts of hormones such as prolactin, growth hormone, or thyroid stimulating hormone. Non-secreting tumors fail to release any hormones.
- The pituitary gland is a small organ located in the center of the brain behind the nose. The pituitary gland’s functioning role is secretion of the hormones that control muscle and bone growth, along with sexual development. Many of the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland control the activities of other organs in the body.
- Pituitary tumors are the third most common type of primary brain tumors in adults and account for 10-15 percent of all intra-cranial tumors. These tumors most frequently affect adults between the ages of 20-50.
- Since most pituitary tumors are benign (noncancerous), they grow slowly and do not metastasize, or spread to other parts of the body. They are basically growths found in or around the pituitary gland. Symptoms resulting from a pituitary tumor may include vision loss, headaches, nausea, vomiting, or any of the problems caused by the production of too many hormones such as heat or cold intolerance, abnormal growth, high blood pressure, loss of menstrual periods in women, or breast enlargement and secretion.
- Treatment of pituitary tumors may include surgical removal of the tumor; drug therapy, using medicine to block the pituitary gland from producing too many hormones; or radiation therapy, using high-doses of Xrays to kill tumor cells. Surgery is the most common treatment and they are best treated when they are found and diagnosed early. Transsphenoidal surgery is often used for pituitary adenomas because it is less invasive. It involves making an incision in the upper gum line or nasal cavity and removing the tumor through the base of the skull.
- There is a chance of recurrence with pituitary tumors. Follow-up MRI scans and appointments with your neurosurgeon may be necessary.
- The cause of pituitary tumors is unknown. They are usually curable; however, prognosis depends on the type of tumor and the patient’s age and general state of health.
For more information:
Pituitary Network Association
P.O. Box 1958
Thousand Oaks, CA 91358
pna@pituitary.org
Tel: 805-499-9973
Fax: 805-480-0633
Medical content was reviewed by Dr. Peter Black of Brigham and Women's Hospital. December 2003.
