Definition

The pituitary is a small complicated gland at the base of the brain. It makes several important hormones that regulate growth and the activity of several other major glands throughout the body. A pituitary adenoma is an abnormal growth, or tumor, in this gland. Pituitary adenomas are usually benign. This means they are not cancerous. They do not spread to other parts of the body. The growths can lead to vision problems because it is near the eyes. It can also lead to growth problems. It often can also disrupt the hormonal balance of the thyroid, adrenal, and gonads.

Causes

The cause is unknown. Some tumors are part of other endocrine disorders and are associated with genetic changes. These can be inherited.

Tumors can also be a result of exposure to cancer causing substances or radiation. In some cases, the DNA changes may occur for no known reason.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your chance of pituitary adenoma include:

• A family or personal history of multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 (MEN1)—a hereditary condition that increases the risk of developing pituitary, hypothalamus, and parathyroid and pancreatic tumors
• Other inherited disorders such as Carney complex, acromegaly, or gigantism

Symptoms

Symptoms can vary and may not be present at all. It will depend on whether the tumor is secreting hormones and how large it is. The tumor’s location at the base of the brain can also cause symptoms.

General symptoms due to size may include:

• Headache
• Blurred vision or tunnel vision

In addition to the above, symptoms from prolactin-secreting adenoma:

• Milk production in nonlactating women
• Loss of or irregular periods
• Lack of interest in sex
• Vaginal dryness

Symptoms from thyrotropin-secreting adenoma:

• Swelling of the neck

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism:

• Tremors
• Rapid heartbeat
• Anxiety
• Weight loss
• Insomnia

Symptoms from corticotropin-secreting adenoma:

• Menstrual disturbance
• Skin changes—increased facial hair, acne, bruising, or bluish stretch marks
• Buffalo hump—increased fatty tissue in back
• Obesity, especially around the wrist
• Round face

Growth hormone-secreting adenoma:

• Enlarged hands and feet
• Excessive growth and height
• Oily skin
• Excess sweating

Pituitary adenomas may also be associated with the following conditions:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Kidney stones
• Cardiovascular disease
• High blood pressure
• Osteoporosis

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You will be referred to an endocrinologist. This is a doctor who specializes in glands and hormones.

Your bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done with:

• Blood tests
• Urine tests

Your peripheral vision may be tested. This can be done with visual field tests.

Images may be taken of your bodily structures. This can be done with an MRI scan.

Treatment

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:

Prevention

There are no current guidelines for preventing a pituitary adenoma.

Hormone Health Network—Endocrine Society http://www.hormone.org

Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada http://www.braintumour.ca

Beshay VE, Beshay JE, et al Pituitary tumors: Diagnosis, management, and implications for reproduction. Semin Reprod Med 2007;25:388-401.

NINDS 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
Updated February 14, 2014. Accessed February 27, 2014.

Pituitary tumors. American Cancer Society website. Available at:
http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003133-pdf.pdf
Accessed February 27, 2014.

Pituitary tumors treatment. National Cancer Institute website. Available at:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/pituitary/patient
Updated January 3, 2014. Accessed February 27, 2014.