Pituitary Gland Tumors and Their Symptoms
The pituitary gland is a small gland located at the base of the brain and regulates the production of many important hormones. Structures formed as a result of the pituitary gland exceeding its normal boundaries or uncontrolled growth are called pituitary gland tumors. These tumors are benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) masses that occur in the pituitary gland, but they are mostly benign and do not spread elsewhere.
Symptoms of Pituitary Gland Tumors
Pituitary gland tumors can affect hormone levels and lead to various symptoms. Symptoms of pituitary gland tumors include:
- Hormonal Imbalances: Excessive secretion of prolactin, growth hormone (GH), or other hormones. Excess prolactin can cause milk production (galactorrhea) in women and breast enlargement in men. Excess growth hormone can lead to acromegaly (enlargement of hands, feet, and internal organs).
- Vision Problems: The growing tumor can press on the optic nerves, which are closest to the pituitary gland, leading to visual field narrowing or double vision.
- Headaches: Headaches may occur depending on the size and pressure exerted by the tumor.
- Reproductive Issues: Menstrual irregularities, infertility, or sexual dysfunction.
The Pituitary Gland: An Important Regulator of Our Body
The pituitary gland is an important part of the endocrine system, the complex control center of the body, and performs vital tasks such as regulating and secreting various hormones. Here are some functions of the pituitary gland:
- Regulation of Other Hormones: It controls the hormones of important glands such as the thyroid, adrenal glands, and reproductive organs.
- Growth Regulation: Growth hormone (GH) regulates the body’s growth, cell renewal, and tissue repair.
- Control of Thyroid Function: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) regulates the functioning of the thyroid gland and affects the rate of metabolism.
- Regulation of Reproductive Hormones: Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) regulate the reproductive system.
- Milk Production: Prolactin hormone stimulates milk production in breastfeeding mothers.
Diagnosis of Pituitary Gland Tumors
Diagnosis of pituitary gland tumors typically involves MRI imaging, hormone tests, and eye examinations. Adenomas smaller than 1 cm are called microadenomas, and those larger than 1 cm are called macroadenomas.
Treatment of Pituitary Gland Tumors
Pituitary gland tumors are treatable, and early diagnosis can help control symptoms. Treatment methods include:
- Medication: Medications can be used to control hormone imbalances or stop tumor growth. Tumors like prolactinoma may respond well to drug treatment.
- Surgical Intervention: If the tumor causes vision loss or does not respond adequately to drug treatment, it can be surgically removed. Today, surgery can be performed by reaching the pituitary through the nasal passages using a method called endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal.
- Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy can be an option for tumors that cannot be treated with drugs or surgery. Gamma Knife technology can be used in suitable patients.
Follow-up of Pituitary Gland Tumors
Non-hormone-secreting tumors smaller than 1 cm can be monitored with regular follow-ups. About 10% of these types of tumors do not secrete hormones and do not cause severe symptoms.
Associate Professor Mustafa Efendioğlu has extensive experience with pituitary gland tumors and aims to provide the best treatment options to his patients using modern neurosurgical techniques. He continues his clinical practice with national and international academic studies at his private clinic on Bağdat Street in Kadıköy, Istanbul.
Frequently Asked Questions
Symptoms of pituitary gland tumors include various signs such as hormone imbalances, vision problems, headaches, and reproductive issues. Hormonal imbalances can involve an excess of prolactin, growth hormone, and other hormones. Vision problems may arise due to the tumor pressing on the optic nerve. Other symptoms include headaches, menstrual irregularities, infertility, or sexual dysfunction.
The diagnosis of pituitary gland tumors involves MRI imaging, hormone tests, and eye examinations. MRI imaging helps determine the size and location of the tumor. Adenomas smaller than 1 cm are called microadenomas, while those larger than 1 cm are called macroadenomas. Hormone tests determine how the tumor affects hormone production.
Treatment methods for pituitary gland tumors include medication, surgical intervention, and radiotherapy. Medication is used to control hormone imbalances or stop tumor growth. Surgical intervention is applied if the tumor causes vision loss or if medication is not sufficiently effective. Radiotherapy is an option for tumors that cannot be treated with medication or surgery.
No, pituitary gland tumors do not always require surgical intervention. Depending on the type and size of the tumor and the patient’s symptoms, medication or regular follow-up may be sufficient. Especially non-hormone-secreting tumors smaller than 1 cm can be monitored with regular follow-ups.
Pituitary gland tumors are generally benign, with malignant tumors being rare. Benign tumors usually do not spread to other areas and can be treated. However, the size and location of the tumor can press on surrounding tissues, causing various symptoms. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can effectively manage these tumors.
