Pituitary adenomas

Pituitary adenomas are tumors that occur in the pituitary gland, and account for about 15% of intracranial neoplasms. These tumors are abnormal growths on the pituitary gland. Some tumors secrete hormones normally made by the pituitary gland.

Almost all tumours of the pituitary gland are benign, that is they are non-cancerous and do not spread. They are sometimes called adenomas. Pituitary tumours are either secreting or non-secreting tumours.

Symptoms

1.  Women with this type of tumour may notice their monthly periods stop and they may also produce small amounts of breast milk.

2. Infertility is common in both men and women

3. A tumour which releases excess TSH causes a disruption in the body's normal metabolism

4. Excess secretion of growth hormones can cause a condition called gigantism which leads to abnormal growth or acromegaly. This causes enlargement of the hands and feet and can also lead to high blood pressure and diabetes

Causes and prevention

Most brain tumours the cause of pituitary tumours is unknown. Pituitary tumours make up nearly 10% of all brain tumours. They are most commonly found in young or middle aged adults.

Medical Tests & Diagnosis

Pituitary tumours are often discovered during a blood test. If excess amounts of pituitary hormones are found your doctor may arrange for you to have a CAT scan or MRI scan. The scan will confirm the diagnosis of a pituitary tumour.

Treatments

Surgery: Surgery is the commonest treatment for most pituitary tumours. The aim of surgery is to remove the tumour and leave at least some of the normal pituitary gland behind. This is not always possible and in certain cases all the gland needs to be removed.

Radiation therapy:Radiotherapy treatment, the use of high energy rays to destroy abnormal cells, is an extremely effective and safe form of treatment which is often used following pituitary surgery for all types of tumour.