Often referred to as the “master endocrine gland”, the pituitary gland is a small, bean-shaped gland situated at the base of the brain, somewhere behind the nose and between the ears. The pituitary gland keeps hormone levels in check, supervises the other glands of the endocrine system, and releases hormones that affect many bodily functions. These hormones help regulate important functions like blood pressure, reproduction, and growth. The pituitary gland is also connected to the nervous system by a part of the brain called the hypothalamus.

A pituitary tumor is a mass of cells that grow on the gland, where some tumors secrete hormones and some don’t. Normally, pituitary tumors are common in older adults, and they are benign as well as slow growing. As pituitary cancers are very rare, a majority of pituitary tumors are of noncancerous growths (adenomas) that remain confined to the pituitary gland or surrounding tissues and don’t spread to other parts of the body.

Nearly 7,000 pituitary gland tumors are diagnosed in the United States each year, and as the pituitary gland is situated next to the brain, such type of tumors are sometimes classified as brain tumors in data collection. Most pituitary tumors have no hereditary factor, though a small percentage of cases run in families.

Pituitary tumors may cause trouble physically and biochemically. Macroadenomas are large pituitary tumors measuring about 19 millimeters or larger that usually don’t secrete hormones, and can exert physical pressure on the rest of the pituitary gland and nearby structures. On the other hand, Microadenomas are tumors smaller than 10 millimeter that often secrete anterior pituitary hormones, and are often detected earlier because the increased level of hormones cause abnormal changes in the body. Although pituitary tumors don’t grow and spread extensively, they can affect the health adversely causing vision loss, permanent hormone deficiency, sudden bleeding into the tumor (pituitary apoplexy), and diabetes insipidus.

People with pituitary tumors may experience signs and symptoms like headache, fatigue, weakness, symptoms of pituitary hormone deficiency, nausea and vomiting, menstrual period irregularities in women, and vision loss - particularly loss of peripheral vision. Other symptoms include cold tolerance, low blood pressure, body hair loss, constipation, sexual dysfunction, low sex drive, changes to appearance, cognitive difficulties like problem with thinking, and unintended weight loss or gain.

According to neurosurgeon Dr. Gail Rosseau, who treats patients with a variety of neurological conditions at Rush University Medical Center and the Chicago Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch (CINN), "Conditions such as osteoporosis, sexual dysfunction, depression, infertility, or growth disorders can be the result of abnormalities in the pituitary or "master" gland at the base of the brain. Many times this association is overlooked.” She says that pituitary tumors are often misdiagnosed because of the confusing array of symptoms they present. "If misdiagnosed or untreated, they may progress, causing blindness, heart disease or in the worst cases, premature death."

Different types of pituitary tumors include ACTH-producing tumor, prolactin-producing tumor, growth hormone-producing tumor, and non-functioning pituitary tumor. A pituitary tumor is diagnosed using a number of tests like medical history, blood tests, physical examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, computer tomograpghy (CT) scans, visual field exam, biopsy, and lumbar puncture.

The treatment of pituitary tumors involves many options to either control its growth or remove the tumor, or at times medication may also be required to correct the hormone production that is too low or too high. Treatment also depends on the person’s age, overall health, type of the tumor, its size, and how far it has grown into the brain. Some side effects that can occur while the treatment of a pituitary tumor is going on can cause fatigue, gallstones, and gastrointestinal upset. A team of medical experts like a neurosurgeon, endocrinologist, and a neurologist normally recommend the treatment for pituitary tumors. They generally use medication, surgery, radiation therapy, either alone or in combination to treat pituitary tumors and return the production of hormone to normal levels.

The diagnosis and treatment of pituitary tumors can be frightening and overwhelming for you and your family, thus you need to learn as much as you can about your condition. It would help to share your feelings with others in similar situations, check out other support groups for people with pituitary tumors, to seek the emotional support you need.

By Harleena Singh, Staff Writer

About the author- Harleena Singh is a professional freelance writer with a background in teaching and education. She has a keen interest in food and health related issues and can be approached through her website http://www.freelancewriter.co.