Pituitary Tumor Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
A pituitary gland tumour is an unusual growth in the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a small pea-sized structure in the skull. If the tumour becomes large in size, it can get pressed against the nearest parts of the brain and cause issues. Some of the tumours also lead to the release of excess hormones that are responsible for controlling the functions of your body. Some of the tumours can make the brain to produce a smaller number of hormones.
Most of the pituitary tumours are non-cancerous and they can be treated using different ways. This type of pituitary tumour is called pituitary adenoma.
What Are the Types of Pituitary Adenomas?
The following are the two types of pituitary adenomas based on whether they affect the release of hormones or not:
- Functioning adenomas: This type of adenoma leads to the excess release of pituitary hormones. Based on the hormone released, it can cause certain signs or symptoms.
- Non-functioning adenomas: This type of adenoma will not release any hormones. But it can exert pressure on the pituitary gland and nearby structures. It is most commonly diagnosed adenoma.
Based on the size of the tumour, pituitary adenomas are classified as:
- Microadenomas: It is a smaller one and the size is less than 1 centimetre or 10 millimetres.
- Macroadenomas: This type of adenomas is larger in size and is greater than 1 centimetre or 10 millimetres.
Common Signs of Pituitary Tumours
The signs of pituitary tumour are based on its type and which area of the pituitary gland got affected. Moreover, not all pituitary tumours show signs. But the following are some of the common signs of a pituitary tumour:
- Headache
- Vision issues due to pressure on the optic nerve
- Mood swings
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Facial numbness or pain in the face
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
- Sudden changes in weight
- Feeling cold
- Less desire for sexual intercourse
- Erectile dysfunction
What Causes Pituitary Tumours?
The pituitary gland is a small pea-size structure that is attached to the base of the skull. It is important for controlling several functions in your body by releasing hormones. The reason for why abnormal cell growth takes place in the pituitary gland is unknown. However, scientists believe it to be due to inherited genes or due to mutations in the DNA. The changes can make the cells in the pituitary gland to grow rapidly and this develops into a mass called a tumour.
If you have any of the following genetic conditions, you have chance of developing a pituitary tumour:
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1, also called MEN 1
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 4, also called MEN 4
- Carney complex
- X-LAG syndrome
- McCune-Albright syndrome
- Neurofibromatosis type 1
Even if you do not have the above-mentioned genetic conditions, you may still develop a pituitary tumour.
How to Diagnose Pituitary Tumours?
If your doctor suspects that you might have a pituitary tumour, the doctor will review your medical history and will ask you about your signs. The doctor also conducts a physical exam and may conduct the following tests:
- Blood test
- Urine tests
- CT scans
- MRI scans
- Biopsy
- If you have vision problems, an eye exam may be performed
Treating a Pituitary Tumour
Most of the pituitary tumours do not any treatment if they do not show any signs. If treatment is required, the treatment is based on your signs, size, location, age, the severity of the conditions, and your overall health.
The treatment options include:
- Surgery: Surgery focuses on removing the pituitary tumour.
- Radiation therapy: It makes use of high-energy sources to shrink the pituitary tumour. It is a painless procedure and can be completed in a few minutes. During this therapy, special shields will be used to protect the surrounding tissues.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery: This uses a single high dose of radiation to be targeted on the tumour. Though the name has surgery, it is not surgery and it is a single session treatment to remove the pituitary tumour.
- Medications: Medications can be used to control the hormones produced by the pituitary gland due to the tumour. Some medications also focus on shrinking the pituitary tumour.
Looking for Pituitary Tumour Treatment? Meet Dr Vishwak Sena Reddy Today
If you or your loved one have signs of a pituitary tumour and are concerned about it, Dr Vishwak Sena Reddy can help you. He has treated several patients suffering from different types of pituitary tumours. His years of experience have made him an expert in treating this condition. He is well equipped with the latest equipment and a professional medical staff to make you feel comfortable and safe. To know more about his treatment, you can give us a call or fill out the online form.