General Information

DEFINITION--Abnormal growth in the pituitary gland, which leads to overactivity of other endocrine glands. Pituitary tumors may be benign or malignant--but even malignant pituitary tumors rarely spread to other body parts.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes and all ages, but most common between ages 30 and 50.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Blurred vision, double vision, dizziness or a drooping eyelid caused by tumor pressure on nerves to the eye.
• Headache in the forehead.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Seizures.
• Runny nose.
• Excessive thirst.
• Menstrual changes.
• Unexplained weight gain.
• Retarded or excessive growth in children.
• Low blood sugar.
• Low blood pressure.
• Loss of peripheral vision.
• Symptoms of abnormalities in other endocrine glands. See Hyperthyroidism, Hyperparathyroidism, Cushing's Syndrome and Ovarian Tumor (all in Illness section).

CAUSES--Unknown, but it may be caused by a dominant genetic trait. The pituitary gland is divided into two parts, the anterior (front) lobe and posterior (rear) lobe. Two main types of tumor occur, pituitary adenomas (usually non-malignant) and craniopharyngioma.

RISK INCREASES WITH--Unknown.

HOW TO PREVENT--No specific preventive measures.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory studies of cerebrospinal fluid and blood.
• X-rays of the skull.
• CT scan, angiogram (See Glossary for both).
• Vision studies.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's treatment.
• Treatment may involve surgery to remove the tumor, radiation treatment, hormone therapy or a combination of all three. Surgery is a delicate procedure because of the location of the pituitary (close to the brain); you may require open brain surgery.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Vision loss.
• Loss of sense of smell.
• Extreme hormone imbalance.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Curable with surgery if the tumor has not spread from the pituitary gland.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• If surgery is required, the family should maintain an optimistic outlook, stay in close contact with the patient's doctor and help by making their visits with the patient brief and as supportive as possible.
• Wear a Medic-Alert (See Glossary) type bracelet or neck tag that indicates your medical problem and the medications you take.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe:

• Pain relievers.
• Hormone replacement medication for life. This may require frequent dosage adjustments.
• Anticancer drugs.

ACTIVITY--Resume your normal activities gradually after surgery.

DIET--Restricted while you are in the hospital; after surgery, you may return to a regular diet.

Call Your Doctor If