What tests are used to diagnose a pituitary tumor or pituitary adenoma?

Joshua B. Bederson, MD on behalf of The Mount Sinai Health System

Neurosurgery

In diagnosing what could be a pituitary problem, the physician should take a complete medical history and do a physical examination. Further tests will include measurement of hormones in the blood and/or urine, and imaging studies. Two non-invasive studies are a CT or CAT scan to detect any abnormalities that do not appear on an ordinary x-ray, and/or an MRI, which produces three dimensional images of an internal organ or structure of the body, including the brain and spinal cord. The MRI can detect some tumors a fraction of an inch in size but other microadenomas may not appear. Additional tests include vision testing to determine if growth of a pituitary tumor has impaired the patient's vision and an x-ray of a child's hand and wrist to measure whether bone growth is normal.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

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.

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