ABOUT THE DISEASE
Pituitary gland is a very small organ located in the center of brain at its base and weighs between 0.5 to 1 gram. It is an endocrine gland responsible for producing the growth hormone and also controls the functioning of various other glands in the body such as the thyroid and adrenal glands. The pituitary also releases hormones that directly affect body tissues, such as bones and the breast`s milk glands. A pituitary tumor is an abnormal growth found in this gland. The tumors might cause the gland to produce excessive hormones and are called functioning tumors or can be non functioning in nature. Most of the tumors are found to be benign i.e non cancerous in nature.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms may include:
- • Acromegaly or Gigantism
- • Hyperthyroidism
- • Headaches
- • Vision problems
- • Nausea and vomiting
- • Nipple discharge
- • Cushings syndrome
- • High blood pressure
CAUSES
The causes of pituitary tumours are not known. However, some are part of a hereditary disorder called Multiple endocrine neoplasia 1 (MEN1)
DIAGNOSIS
- Physical examination
- Visual field testing
- Endocrine function tests
- Brain MRI
TREATMENT METHODS
- Medication, like Bromocriptine, Cabergoline, etc.
- Surgical removal of tumor , commonly done endoscopically through nose (Endoscopic surgery for pituitary adenoma/tumor) or through skull.
- Radiotherapy
You may also like to learn about:
Craniopharyngioma
Cushings syndrome
Acromegaly
Brain tumor
Hyperthyroidism
Headache