Pituitary Gland Tumor Symptoms

Pituitary gland is a small endocrine gland of about the size of a pea, but the hormones secreted by this gland regulate the functions of many other endocrine glands. This is why pituitary gland is also termed as the master endocrine gland. It is located just at the base of the brain. Pituitary gland problems like, development of pituitary tumors or adenomas can adversely affect several functions of the body, and produce a number of symptoms. Symptoms of such tumorsdepend on the type of the tumor, i.e. whether the tumor is functioning or non functioning. Most of the pituitary tumors are benign or non cancerous. The small pituitary tumors are called microadenomas, while those measuring 19 millimeters or larger are known as macroadenomas. A few cases such tumors have been observed to run in families. A family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia, type I (MEN I) can also raise the risk of developing these tumors.

Signs of Pituitary Gland Tumor

They are more common in adults, but sometimes children too can get this condition. The pituitary tumor symptoms can vary to a great extent depending on whether the tumor is functioning or non functioning. Functioning pituitary tumors are the ones that produce hormones, while non functioning tumors are the tumors that do not produce hormones. The symptoms of functioning tumors can be quite different from the symptoms that large non functioning tumors can produce. The tumors that are non functioning, but large enough to press the surrounding nerves and the blood vessels can produce the following symptoms:

• Headaches
• Vision problems
• Fatigue and weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss or gain
• Cold intolerance
• Dizziness
• Low blood pressure
• Sexual dysfunction

The pituitary tumors that are functioning can produce a number of hormone related symptoms. Development of functioning pituitary tumors can lead to an overproduction of hormones like, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), growth hormones, thyroid stimulating hormone and prolactin hormone. The symptoms of human growth hormone producing tumors can be a bit different in adults and children. One of the most important symptoms in children and adolescents is gigantism. But in adults, such tumors can cause acromegaly and produce the following symptoms:

• Enlargement of the bones of hands, feet and the face
• Coarse facial features
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• High blood sugar
• Excessive perspiration
• Headaches
• Sleep apnea
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

The pituitary tumors that produce an excess of ACTH hormone can stimulate the adrenal glands to make more cortisol hormone, which can eventually lead to Cushing's syndrome. The most common ACTH producing symptoms are:

• Accumulation of fat in the middle portion of the body
• High blood pressure
• High blood sugar
• Easy bruising and stretch marks
• Brittle bones and thinning of the skin
• Muscle weakness

Pituitary tumors or adenomas producing the hormone prolactin can produce different symptoms in men and women. The symptoms of pituitary adenomas (prolactin producing) in men are:

• Gynecomastia or enlargement of the breast
• Infertility and erectile dysfunction
• Decrease in body hair

The symptoms that prolactin hormone producing pituitary tumors can produce in women include:

• Irregularities in the menstrual cycle
• Amenorrhea or absence of menstrual period
• Milky discharge from the breast
• Vaginal dryness

Tumors of the pituitary gland that produce an excess of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) can cause hyperthyroidism. This in turn, can manifest in the following symptoms:

• Rapid and irregular heartbeat
• Sudden loss of weight
• Nervousness
• Excessive sweating
• Frequent bowel movements

Pituitary Gland Tumor Treatment

The common treatment options available for the treatment of pituitary tumors are, radiation therapy, medications and surgery. Surgery is usually opted for a large tumor that presses against the optic nerves, and also when a functioning tumor produces excessive hormones. Radiation therapy on the other hand, employs high energy X-rays, in order to shrink or destroy the tumor. Medications like, bromocriptine, somatostatin analogs and octreotide can also prove helpful in shrinking the tumor and preventing the over secretion of hormones.

To ensure prompt treatment of such tumors, it is important to consult a physician on observing the signs of pituitary tumors mentioned above.