Overview
Pituitary tumors are unusual growths that develop in the pituitary gland, an organ about the size of a pea located at the base of the brain. These tumors can cause the gland to make too much or too little of certain hormones that control important body functions. Most pituitary tumors are benign (noncancerous), and they typically do not spread to other parts of the body. Some may cause symptoms such as abnormal hormone production, vision problems, high blood pressure, and bone loss. Pituitary apoplexy, a rare but serious complication, occurs when there is sudden bleeding into the tumor, causing symptoms like severe headache, vision problems, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. Pituitary tumors can be treated with surgery, medications, radiation therapy, or a combination of these approaches, depending on the type and severity of the tumor.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of pituitary tumors can include rapid or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, anxiety, or irritability, frequent bowel movements, sweating, tremor, sleep problems, headache, eye problems, pain in the face, drooping eyelid, seizures, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms can be caused by the tumor putting pressure on the brain or nearby parts of the body, or by hormone imbalances caused by the tumor. If you develop symptoms that might be associated with a pituitary tumor, see your health care provider for evaluation and treatment.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing pituitary tumors include several rare hereditary conditions, such as Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 (MEN 1), Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 4 (MEN 4), Carney complex, and McCune-Albright syndrome. In most cases, the cause of uncontrolled cell growth in the pituitary gland, leading to a tumor, remains unknown. Although genetics may play a role, having a family history of pituitary tumors is uncommon. Environmental and lifestyle factors do not seem to impact the risk of developing pituitary tumors.
Development
The various types of pituitary tumors develop differently, depending on the hormones they produce. Functioning pituitary adenomas produce hormones that can cause different symptoms depending on the kind of hormones they make. The three main categories of functioning pituitary adenomas include:
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): These tumors are sometimes called corticotroph adenomas and produce too much ACTH, which can lead to excessive cortisol production. This can cause symptoms like weight gain, high blood pressure, and weakness.
- Growth hormone: Somatotroph adenomas produce too much growth hormone, leading to symptoms like abnormal growth, increased height, and increased muscle mass.
- Luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone (gonadotroph adenomas): These tumors can lead to abnormal hormone production, causing issues with sexual development and fertility. The causes of pituitary tumor development remain largely unknown, but genetic factors may play a role. In rare cases, pituitary tumors can be caused by inherited genes. However, most pituitary tumors occur sporadically without a clear hereditary cause.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
If you develop symptoms that might be associated with a pituitary tumor, you should see your health care provider. Symptoms may include rapid or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, anxiety, or irritability, frequent bowel movements, sweating, tremor, sleep problems, and weight loss. It's important to seek medical attention, as treatment for pituitary tumors can help bring hormone levels back to a healthy range and alleviate symptoms. Although rare, some pituitary tumors can be hereditary, particularly in cases of multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 (MEN 1). If MEN 1 runs in your family, consult your health care provider about tests that may help detect a pituitary tumor early.
Diagnosis
To diagnose pituitary tumors, health care providers typically begin with a physical exam and discussion of personal and family medical history. Testing may include urine tests to detect excess hormones, imaging exams like MRI or CT scans to locate and measure the tumor, and vision testing to check for potential visual impairments. If needed, specialists such as endocrinologists or neurosurgeons may be consulted for further evaluation and treatment planning.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of pituitary tumors include vision loss, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, bone loss, heart problems, problems with thinking and memory, weight loss, rapid or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, anxiety or irritability, frequent bowel movements, sweating, tremor, and sleep problems. Pituitary apoplexy, a rare but serious complication, can cause severe headache, vision problems, nausea, confusion, and reduced mental function, requiring immediate medical attention. It is important to consult a healthcare provider if you develop symptoms that may be associated with a pituitary tumor.
Prevention
Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent pituitary tumors at this time. Since most pituitary tumors are benign and slow-growing, the focus is generally on monitoring them and managing symptoms rather than preventing their occurrence. If a hereditary disorder like multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 (MEN 1) runs in your family, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider about tests that may help detect pituitary tumors early. However, prevention is not currently a viable option for pituitary tumors.
Home Remedies
It is important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of pituitary tumors.
Treatment
Treatments for pituitary tumors may include surgery, medications, radiation therapy, or a combination of these approaches. Surgery may involve removing the tumor, while medications can help manage hormone levels. Radiation therapy can control the tumor's growth. In some cases, observation or a "wait-and-see" approach may be appropriate. Treatment choice depends on factors such as tumor type, size, and location, as well as the patient's overall health and personal preferences.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for pituitary tumors, you should:
- Make a list of your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment.
- Gather information about your personal and family medical history.
- List all medicines, vitamins, or supplements that you're taking.
- Consider bringing a family member or friend along for support and to help remember important information.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask your healthcare provider.