Overview and Facts about Pituitary Adenoma
A pituitary adenoma is a slow-growing tumor on the pituitary gland, a small structure located at the bottom of the brain, just behind the nasal sinuses.
Often referred to as the “master gland,” the pituitary gland helps monitor bodily functions and balances hormone levels in the body. Over 90% of these tumors are benign (noncancerous).
Pituitary adenomas are the third most common intracranial tumor, and typically affect people in their 30s through 70s, but may also affect children.
Symptoms and Signs of Pituitary Adenoma
There are two main kinds of pituitary tumors: functional and non-functional.
Some pituitary tumors produce excess hormone and are called functional or secretory tumors.
Depending on which hormone is being overproduced, you may exhibit a variety of unusual symptoms, even with very small tumors. Having excess of a specific hormone can lead to significant health concerns.
The majority of pituitary adenomas are non-functioning or non-secretory tumors and do not produce any excess hormones.
Small non-functioning pituitary adenomas (10 millimeters or less) do not cause symptoms. These are known as microadenomas.
Symptoms often develop when tumors grow larger than 10 millimeters (macroadenomas) and put pressure on other brain structures and nearby nerves. Symptoms may also appear when the tumor causes the normal pituitary gland to make too few hormones, causing problems in the body.
The following symptoms may occur:
- Headaches
- Vision problems (loss of peripheral vision, double vision, drooping eyelid)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Changes in behavior, including hostility, depression and anxiety
- Changes in the sense of smell
- Nasal drainage
- Sexual dysfunction
- Infertility
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Achy joints or muscle weakness
- Growth problems (children)
- Early menopause
