Pituitary Tumor
Pituitary tumors interfere with our bodys ability to produce hormones that helps us grow, regulate our sugar levels and control our body temperature.
Scientists call the pituitary gland the master endocrine gland because it produces hormones that regulate other organs and many of our body functions. When tumors form, they cause the pituitary gland to make excessive or deficient amounts of certain hormones such as thyroid-stimulating hormone, which regulates our heart rate.
Typically slow growing, pituitary tumors are rarely cancerous but can still spread to other parts of the body. Because of the gland's location in the center of the brain, doctors must surgically remove these tumors to relieve brain pressure. You may also need medications to return your hormones back to normal.
Early detection is the key to success. See your doctor if you have unexplained weight loss, blurry vision, sexual dysfunction, irregular heart beat or muscle weakness.
Recently Answered
- Q How do other illnesses affect a pituitary tumor?
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Because the causes of pituitary tumors are largely unknown, it is not certain how other illnesses affect a pituitary tumor. Some inherited genetic disorders may affect a person's risk for a pituitary tumor. Multiple endocrine neoplasia I is among these... Full Answer
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- Q Can a pituitary tumor go away without treatment?
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A pituitary tumor will not go away without treatment. However,many pituitary tumors never cause symptoms and will go undetected throughout a person's entire life. Additionally,certain kinds of functional pituitary tumors can be destroyed with medication... Full Answer
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- Q Does a pituitary tumor affect children differently than adults?
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Pituitary tumors are not common in children. However, when they do occur they can affect a child in the same ways that they affect adults. Yet, because a child is still growing, impacts on their growth and physical maturation are much more noticeable.... Full Answer
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- Q Can I develop a pituitary tumor as an adult?
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Yes-you can develop a pituitary tumor as an adult. While children can get pituitary tumors-the risk for this disease increases with age. Older adults are actually at highest risk for pituitary tumors. Full Answer
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- Q How do I manage my pituitary tumor on a daily basis?
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Finding out that you have a pituitary tumor can be frightening. The best thing to do to manage your disorder on a daily basis is gather as much information about the condition that you can. Ask as many questions as you can think of when seeing your... Full Answer
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- Q What do I need to know about caring for someone with a pituitary tumor?
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Caring for someone with a pituitary tumor means making sure you are emotionally and physically there for your loved one. Finding out you have a pituitary tumor can be scary. People with this disorder need to know they have a shoulder to lean on. Ask... Full Answer
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- Q How is a pituitary tumor diagnosed?
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A pituitary tumor can be diagnosed through a physical evaluation and a series of endocrine function exams. Blood and urine tests can help physicians figure out if your pituitary gland is producing too much - or too little - of a particular hormone.... Full Answer
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- Q How do medications treat a pituitary tumor?
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In some cases, medications can be used to shrink a pituitary tumor. Drugs that decrease levels of the hormone prolactin can be effectively used when a person has a functioning pituitary tumor that secretes excess prolactin. In fact, these medications... Full Answer
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- Q What causes a pituitary tumor?
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Scientists are not sure what causes a pituitary tumor. However, sometimes these abnormal growths form as part of the inherited genetic disorder multiple endocrine neoplasia I. While the causes of most pituitary tumors remain unknown, researchers are... Full Answer
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- Q What increases my risk for a pituitary tumor?
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Age increases your risk for a pituitary tumor. Although such growths can be diagnosed in people of all ages, older adults run the greatest risk for pituitary tumors. Certain inherited genetic conditions, including multiple endocrine neoplasia I, also... Full Answer
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