Pituitary tumours
(For Growth Hormone Producing Tumours of the Pituitary Gland.
See Acromegaly)
What is a pituitary tumour?
The pituitary gland is a small endocrine gland positioned near
the base of the skull and pituitary tumours originate from cells in
the pituitary gland that secrete hormones. They can secrete an
excess of one, or more rarely, several hormones or they can be
non-hormone producing tumours. Growth hormone producing tumours
cause acromegaly in adults (see Acromegaly). Tumours producing the hormone ACTH
which stimulates cortisone production from the adrenal glands cause
Cushing's disease (see Cushing's Disease). Prolactin causes milk
production (Prolactinoma).
What are the symptoms of a pituitary tumour?
Overproduction of one hormone may be accompanied by a deficient
production of other hormones resulting in for
example; infertility, irregular menstrual cycle and/or
decreased libido. Non-hormone producing tumours usually produce
symptoms of headache and/or encroachment on the visual fields
caused by pressure on the optic nerve crossing.
How is a pituitary tumour diagnosed?
Diagnosos is by testing blood levels for hormone
level changes and by MRI
scan (magnetic resonsnce imaging).
What is the treatment for pituitary tumours?
Most often surgery is the first choice. For small tumours, so
called microadenomas, Gamma Knife surgery can be considered as the
primary treatment choice under certain circumstances. Tumour rests
can be treated by Gamma Knife surgery. The standard postoperative
adjuvant treatment is still in many centres conventional
radiotherapy. Drug therapy is available for suppression of hormone
production, at least as a temporary measure, from hormone producing
tumours.
Further information on pituitary tumours
Please contact the Gamma Knife Centre directly or go to
The Pituitary Foundation.