Introduction
Pituitary tumors are abnormal growths found in the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a small organ in the center of the brain. It makes hormones that affect growth and the functions of other glands in the body. In most cases, pituitary tumors grow slowly, are not cancerous (are benign), and do not spread to other parts of the body. These tumors are best treated when they are found and diagnosed early.
A pituitary tumor may produce hormones (functioning tumor) or not (nonfunctioning tumor). A pituitary tumor may cause:
Cushing disease. In this disease, the pituitary gland produces too much of a hormone called cortisol. This causes fat to build up in the face, back, and chest while the arms and legs become thin.
Acromegaly. This is a condition in which the hands, feet, and face are larger than normal. …show more content…
What are the causes?
The cause of most pituitary tumors is not known. In some cases, pituitary tumors may be passed from parent to child (inherited).
What increases the risk?
You are more likely to develop this condition if:
You have a family history of pituitary tumors.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of this condition include:
Headaches.
Vision problems.
Weakness or low energy.
Clear fluid draining from the nose.
Changes in the sense of smell.
Nausea and vomiting.
Problems caused by the production of too many hormones, such as:
Inability to get pregnant after a year of having sex regularly without using birth control (infertility).
Loss of menstrual periods in women.
Abnormal growth.
High blood pressure (hypertension).
Inability to tolerate heat or cold.
Other skin and body changes.
Nipple discharge.
Decreased sexual function.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition may be diagnosed based on:
Your symptoms.
Your medical history.
CT scan.
MRI.
How is this
Pituitary tumors are abnormal growths found in the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a small organ in the center of the brain. It makes hormones that affect growth and the functions of other glands in the body. In most cases, pituitary tumors grow slowly, are not cancerous (are benign), and do not spread to other parts of the body. These tumors are best treated when they are found and diagnosed early.
A pituitary tumor may produce hormones (functioning tumor) or not (nonfunctioning tumor). A pituitary tumor may cause:
Cushing disease. In this disease, the pituitary gland produces too much of a hormone called cortisol. This causes fat to build up in the face, back, and chest while the arms and legs become thin.
Acromegaly. This is a condition in which the hands, feet, and face are larger than normal. …show more content…
What are the causes?
The cause of most pituitary tumors is not known. In some cases, pituitary tumors may be passed from parent to child (inherited).
What increases the risk?
You are more likely to develop this condition if:
You have a family history of pituitary tumors.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of this condition include:
Headaches.
Vision problems.
Weakness or low energy.
Clear fluid draining from the nose.
Changes in the sense of smell.
Nausea and vomiting.
Problems caused by the production of too many hormones, such as:
Inability to get pregnant after a year of having sex regularly without using birth control (infertility).
Loss of menstrual periods in women.
Abnormal growth.
High blood pressure (hypertension).
Inability to tolerate heat or cold.
Other skin and body changes.
Nipple discharge.
Decreased sexual function.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition may be diagnosed based on:
Your symptoms.
Your medical history.
CT scan.
MRI.
How is this