Alternative Names
Tumor – pituitary
Definition of Pituitary tumor
A pituitary tumor is an abnormal growth in the pituitary gland, the part of the brain that regulates the body’s balance of hormones.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Most pituitary tumors are noncancerous (benign). Up to 20% of people have pituitary tumors. However, many of these tumors do not cause symptoms and are never diagnosed during the person’s lifetime.
Symptoms
Most pituitary tumors produce too much of one or more hormones. As a result, symptoms of one or more of the following conditions can occur:
Signs and tests
Your health care provider will perform a physical examination. The provider will note any problems with double vision and visual field, such as a loss of peripheral vision or the ability to see in certain areas.
Treatment
Pituitary tumors are usually not cancerous and therefore won’t spread to other areas of the body. However, as they grow, they may place pressure on important nerves and blood vessels.
Expectations (prognosis)
If the tumor can be surgically removed, the outlook is fair to good, depending upon whether the entire tumor is removed.
Review
Ari S. Eckman, MD, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 11/23/2009
