Pituitary adenoma (tumor) is the presence of abnormal growths on the pituitary gland. This tumor like cells or adenoma can cause excess of secretion of hormones leading to various complications in the body. Pituitary gland is the master gland in our body which manages several important functions.
Most of these adenoma are benign (harmless) and they do not spread to other organs of the body. Various treatment options are available for pituitary adenomas including removing them through surgery, managing its growth through medications.
Pituitary Adenoma Symptoms
The size of adenoma (tumor) may vary from small to large. Small sized tumor is called micro-adenoma and large ones are known as macro-adenoma. Large tumors can exert pressure on the pituitary gland disturbing its functions. Due to excess of pressure created by adenoma the person can have several symptoms like headache, nausea, blurred vision, fatigue, missing periods (in women) and reduced libido (in men) and sudden weight loss. This would cause loss of hair in the scalp and increased urination.
In addition to the above, pituitary adenoma can also cause changes in the normal level of hormones secreted. Often, it leads to overproduction of hormones. Adrenocorticotropin is a hormone secreted by pituitary gland responsible for stimulating adrenal glands. Due to adenoma more amounts of this hormone is produced stimulating the production of cortisol leading to high blood sugar, hypertension, and fat accumulation in the upper back, anxiety and depression. For some people it can cause thinning of skin leading to several scratches and bruises.
Growth hormone (GH) is yet another important hormone secreted by pituitary gland. The presence of adenoma can lead to production of excess of GH, a condition called acromegaly. Some of the symptoms of acromegaly are excess of growth of hands and feet, misaligned teeth, abnormal facial features, joint pain, high blood sugar and heart problems.