Pituitary tumours, also known as pituitary adenomas, begin in the pituitary gland. They are almost always benign (non-cancerous), but they can lead to other serious medical conditions.
The problems caused by these tumours can be due to:
The pituitary gland, situated at the base of the brain, is about the size of a pea. Despite its small size, it is vital and is often referred to as the "master gland." It is responsible for producing:
Pituitary tumours may be present in up to 15% to 20% of the population, but tumours requiring treatment are less common and are often not diagnosed. The two main types are:
These tumours cause the body to produce an excessive amount of certain hormones. Hormones that may be overproduced include:
This is the second most frequent type of pituitary tumour and does not produce hormones that cause noticeable symptoms. They can, however, cause problems if they grow large and press against surrounding structures, such as the optic or other nerves. They can also interfere with the pituitary gland's normal hormone production.
In rare instances, the cells within a pituitary tumour can become cancerous and metastasise (spread) to other parts of the body. Most pituitary cancers produce hormones, typically prolactin and ACTH.
A risk factor is anything that increases your probability of developing a disease. The only proven risk factor for pituitary tumours is inheriting a condition that predisposes you to developing one, such as:
It is important to note that not everyone with MEN1 or FIPA will develop a pituitary tumour. If you or someone in your family has one of these disorders, it is advisable to discuss your risk with your doctor.
Pituitary gland tumours often do not present with symptoms in the early stages, and when they do, they vary widely from person to person. Many patients may live with these tumours for years before they are discovered. Symptoms generally develop slowly and can often resemble those of other medical conditions.
Symptoms may occur if a tumour grows too large and:
When a pituitary tumour causes other glands to produce too much hormone, the symptoms will depend on the glands involved.
Rounded "moon" face
Weight gain, especially in the trunk and abdomen
Thinning of the skin
Wide purple-red stretch marks
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Muscle weakness
Slowing of growth (in children)
Hands, feet, jaw, and/or forehead gradually grow larger
Coarse facial features (e.g., thickened skin, enlarged nose or lips)
Heart problems
High blood pressure
Excessive sweating
Weight loss
Nervousness
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Milky discharge from the nipples
Irregular or absent menstrual periods
Infertility
Erectile dysfunction and/or impotence
Infertility
Loss of body hair
Decreased sex drive
Rarely, increased breast growth (gynecomastia)
These symptoms do not automatically mean you have a pituitary tumour, but it is important to discuss any changes with your doctor as they may signal other health issues.
Diagnosing pituitary tumours can be challenging, especially in the early stages, leading many to remain undiagnosed for years. The blood tests required for diagnosis can be complex and demand specialised expertise. Our expert endocrinologists and neurosurgeons at SSCHRC are highly skilled and experienced in diagnosing pituitary tumours.
If you have symptoms that may suggest a pituitary tumour, your doctor will perform an examination and inquire about your personal and family health history.
One or more of the following diagnostic tests may be used to identify a pituitary tumour, determine its size, and monitor the effectiveness of treatment:
Frequent sampling of blood, saliva, and/or urine
For the best chance of successful treatment, it is important to be under the care of experts who specialise in pituitary tumours and treat a large number of patients. The experienced physicians at SSCHRC customise care plans to provide the most advanced treatments while minimising the impact on your body.
Your specialised medical team may include neurosurgeons, endocrinologists, neuroradiologists, pathologists, neuro-ophthalmologists, and radiation oncologists. The team meets regularly to discuss your care and communicates closely with you to keep you informed of your progress.
The best treatment options will be discussed with your doctor upon diagnosis and depend on several factors, including the tumour's location, size, and the specific hormones it affects. Your treatment will be personalised to your individual needs. One or more of the following therapies may be recommended to treat the tumour or help relieve symptoms:
The pituitary tumour may be surgically removed. As with all surgery, pituitary tumour surgery is most successful when performed by a specialist with extensive experience in the procedure. The neurosurgeon's expertise is particularly crucial if surgery is part of your treatment, as the pituitary gland and nearby structures can be vulnerable to damage during the procedure. SSCHRC surgeons are among the most skilled and recognised globally, performing a high volume of pituitary tumour surgeries each year.
You may be prescribed one or more medicines to help reduce hormone levels or shrink the pituitary tumour. Hormone replacement therapy may also be administered if your natural hormone levels are low.
SSCHRC offers the most advanced radiation treatments for pituitary tumours. New radiation therapy techniques and exceptional skill enable SSCHRC doctors to target pituitary tumours with greater precision, delivering the maximum necessary radiation with the least damage to surrounding healthy cells.