Pituitary adenoma (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Pituitary adenoma is a type of benign tumors in pituitary gland. The pituitary is considered the "master control gland" of hormone production because it regulates the activity of most other glands in the body. Hormones released by pituitary include [[vasopressin]], [[oxytocin]], [[growth hormone]], [[thyroid-stimulating hormone]], [[adrenocorticotropic hormone]], [[luteinizing hormone]] and [[prolactin]]. Although the tumors do not grow very large, they can have a big impact on a person's health. When the tumor becomes larger, it can compress and cause damage to nearby parts of the brain. Symptoms of pituitary adenoma depend on the location of the tumor. Different regional | [[Pituitary adenoma]] is a type of [[benign tumors]] in [[pituitary gland]]. The [[Pituitary gland|pituitary]] is considered the "master control gland" of [[hormone]] production because it regulates the activity of most other [[glands]] in the body. [[Hormones]] released by [[Pituitary gland|pituitary]] include [[vasopressin]], [[oxytocin]], [[growth hormone]], [[thyroid-stimulating hormone]], [[adrenocorticotropic hormone]], [[Follicle-stimulating hormone|follicle stimulating hormone]], [[luteinizing hormone]] and [[prolactin]]. Although the [[tumors]] do not grow very large, they can have a big impact on a person's health. When the [[tumor]] becomes larger, it can compress and cause damage to nearby parts of the [[brain]]. [[Symptoms]] of [[pituitary adenoma]] depend on the location of the [[tumor]]. Different regional [[tumors]] affect different [[hormones]] and appear different signs. Usual [[symptoms]] include [[vision loss]], overproduction of [[hormones]] and [[hormone]] deficiency. Diagnostic tests include [[hormone]] levels in [[blood]] and/or [[urine]] samples detection, head [[computed tomography]] ([[CT-scans|CT]]) scan, head [[magnetic resonance imaging]] ([[MRI]]) scans and [[vision]] and [[visual fields]] tests. Treatments include [[surgery]], [[radiation therapy]] and medicines. | ||
==What are the symptoms of Pituitary adenoma?== | ==What are the symptoms of Pituitary adenoma?== | ||
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: | 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: | ||
:*[[Hyperthyroidism (patient information)|Hyperthyroidism]] | :*[[Hyperthyroidism (patient information)|Hyperthyroidism]] | ||
:*[[Cushing's syndrome (patient information)|Cushing syndrome]] | :*[[Cushing's syndrome (patient information)|Cushing syndrome]] | ||
:*Gigantism or [[Acromegaly (patient information)|acromegaly]] | :*[[Gigantism]] or [[Acromegaly (patient information)|acromegaly]] | ||
:*Nipple discharge | :*[[Nipple]] discharge | ||
Symptoms caused by pressure from a larger pituitary tumor may include: | [[Symptoms]] caused by pressure from a larger [[pituitary tumor]] may include: | ||
:*Headache | :*[[Headache]] | ||
:*Lethargy | :*[[Lethargy]] | ||
:*Nasal | :*[[Nasal discharge]] | ||
:*Nausea and vomiting | :*[[Nausea]] and [[vomiting]] | ||
:*Problems with the sense of smell | :*Problems with the [[Olfaction|sense of smell]] | ||
:*Visual changes | :*[[Visual disturbance|Visual]] changes | ||
:*Double vision | :*[[Double vision]] | ||
:*Drooping eyelids | :*[[Drooping eyelid|Drooping eyelids]] | ||
:*Visual field | :*[[Visual field defect|Visual field deficit]] | ||
Rarely, these symptoms may occur suddenly and can be severe. | Rarely, these [[symptoms]] may occur suddenly and can be severe. | ||
==What causes Pituitary adenoma?== | ==What causes Pituitary adenoma?== | ||
The causes of pituitary adenomas are unknown. However, some are part of a hereditary disorder called multiple endocrine neoplasia I (MEN I). | The causes of [[pituitary adenomas]] are unknown. However, some are part of a [[hereditary disorder]] called [[multiple endocrine neoplasia]] I ([[MEN]] I). | ||
==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ||
Call your health care provider if you develop any symptoms of a pituitary tumor. | Call your health care provider if you develop any [[symptoms]] of a [[pituitary tumor]]. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
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. | Your health care provider will perform a [[physical examination]]. The provider will note any problems with [[Diplopia|double vision]] and [[visual field]], such as a loss of [[peripheral vision]] or the ability to see in certain areas. | ||
Endocrine function tests include: | [[Endocrine system|Endocrine]] function tests include: | ||
*Cortisol levels: | *[[Cortisol]] levels: | ||
:*[[Dexamethasone suppression test]] | |||
:*[[Urine]] [[Cortisol|cortisol test]] | |||
*Formal visual field testing | *[[Follicle-stimulating hormone]] ([[FSH]]) levels | ||
*MRI of head | *[[Insulin-like growth factor|Insulin like growth factor-1]] ([[Insulin-like growth factor-I|IGF-1]]) levels | ||
*[[Luteinizing hormone]] (LH) levels | |||
*Serum [[prolactin]] levels | |||
*[[Testosterone]]/[[estradiol]] levels | |||
*[[Thyroid hormone]] levels: | |||
:*[[Thyroid function tests|Free T4]] test | |||
:*[[TSH]] test | |||
Tests that help confirm the [[diagnosis]] include the following: | |||
*Formal [[visual field]] testing | |||
*[[MRI]] of head | |||
==Treatment options== | ==Treatment options== | ||
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. | [[Pituitary adenoma|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]]. | ||
Surgery to remove the tumor is often necessary, especially if the tumor is pressing on the optic nerves, which could cause blindness. | [[Surgery]] to remove the [[tumor]] is often necessary, especially if the [[tumor]] is pressing on the [[Optic nerve|optic nerves]], which could cause [[blindness]]. | ||
Most of the time, pituitary tumors can be removed through the nose and sinuses. However, some tumors cannot be removed this way and will need to be removed through the skull (transcranial). | Most of the time, [[Pituitary adenoma|pituitary tumors]] can be removed through the [[nose]] and [[Paranasal sinus|sinuses]]. However, some [[tumors]] cannot be removed this way and will need to be removed through the [[skull]] (transcranial). | ||
Radiation therapy may be used to shrink the tumor, either in combination with surgery or for people who cannot have surgery. | [[Radiation therapy]] may be used to shrink the [[tumor]], either in combination with [[surgery]] or for people who cannot have [[surgery]]. | ||
The following medications may shrink certain types of tumors: | The following medications may shrink certain types of [[tumors]]: | ||
Bromocriptine or cabergoline are the first-line therapy for tumors that release prolactin. These drugs decrease prolactin levels and shrink the tumor. | [[Bromocriptine]] or [[cabergoline]] are the first-line therapy for [[tumors]] that release [[prolactin]]. These drugs decrease [[prolactin]] levels and shrink the tumor. | ||
Octreotide or pegvisomant is sometimes used for tumors that release growth hormone, especially when surgery is unlikely to result in a cure. | [[Octreotide]] or [[pegvisomant]] is sometimes used for [[tumors]] that release [[growth hormone]], especially when surgery is unlikely to result in a cure. | ||
==Where to find medical care for Pituitary adenoma?== | ==Where to find medical care for Pituitary adenoma?== | ||
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==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?== | ==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?== | ||
If the tumor can be surgically removed, the outlook is fair to good, depending upon whether the entire tumor is removed. | If the tumor can be [[Surgery|surgically]] removed, the outlook is fair to good, depending upon whether the entire [[tumor]] is removed. | ||
==Possible complications== | ==Possible complications== | ||
The most serious complication is blindness. This can occur if the optic nerve is seriously damaged. | The most serious [[complication]] is [[blindness]]. This can occur if the optic nerve is seriously damaged. | ||
The tumor or its removal may cause permanent hormone imbalances. The affected hormones may need to be replaced. | The tumor or its removal may cause permanent [[hormone]] imbalances. The affected [[hormones]] may need to be replaced. | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
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{{WH}} | {{WH}} | ||
{{WS}} | {{WS}} | ||
[[Category:Patient information]] | [[Category:Patient information]] | ||
[[Category:Oncology patient information]] | |||
[[Category:Up-To-Date]] | |||
[[Category:Oncology]] | [[Category:Oncology]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Medicine]] | ||
[[Category:Neurology]] | [[Category:Neurology]] | ||
[[Category:Neurosurgery]] | [[Category:Neurosurgery]] | ||
[[Category:Endocrinology]] | [[Category:Endocrinology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 19:24, 2 October 2019
| Pituitary adenoma (patient information) | |
| ICD-10 | D35.2 |
|---|---|
| ICD-9 | 237.0 |
| ICD-O: | Template:ICDO |
| MedlinePlus | 000704 |
| MeSH | D010911 |
|
Pituitary adenoma |
|
Pituitary adenoma On the Web |
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For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Varun Kumar, M.B.B.S.; Jinhui Wu, M.D.
Overview
Pituitary adenoma is a type of benign tumors in pituitary gland. The pituitary is considered the "master control gland" of hormone production because it regulates the activity of most other glands in the body. Hormones released by pituitary include vasopressin, oxytocin, growth hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and prolactin. Although the tumors do not grow very large, they can have a big impact on a person's health. When the tumor becomes larger, it can compress and cause damage to nearby parts of the brain. Symptoms of pituitary adenoma depend on the location of the tumor. Different regional tumors affect different hormones and appear different signs. Usual symptoms include vision loss, overproduction of hormones and hormone deficiency. Diagnostic tests include hormone levels in blood and/or urine samples detection, head computed tomography (CT) scan, head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and vision and visual fields tests. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy and medicines.
What are the symptoms of Pituitary adenoma?
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:
- Hyperthyroidism
- Cushing syndrome
- Gigantism or acromegaly
- Nipple discharge
Symptoms caused by pressure from a larger pituitary tumor may include:
- Headache
- Lethargy
- Nasal discharge
- Nausea and vomiting
- Problems with the sense of smell
- Visual changes
- Double vision
- Drooping eyelids
- Visual field deficit
Rarely, these symptoms may occur suddenly and can be severe.
What causes Pituitary adenoma?
The causes of pituitary adenomas are unknown. However, some are part of a hereditary disorder called multiple endocrine neoplasia I (MEN I).
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your health care provider if you develop any symptoms of a pituitary tumor.
Diagnosis
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.
Endocrine function tests include:
- Cortisol levels:
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels
- Insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels
- Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels
- Serum prolactin levels
- Testosterone/estradiol levels
- Thyroid hormone levels:
Tests that help confirm the diagnosis include the following:
- Formal visual field testing
- MRI of head
Treatment options
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.
Surgery to remove the tumor is often necessary, especially if the tumor is pressing on the optic nerves, which could cause blindness.
Most of the time, pituitary tumors can be removed through the nose and sinuses. However, some tumors cannot be removed this way and will need to be removed through the skull (transcranial).
Radiation therapy may be used to shrink the tumor, either in combination with surgery or for people who cannot have surgery.
The following medications may shrink certain types of tumors:
Bromocriptine or cabergoline are the first-line therapy for tumors that release prolactin. These drugs decrease prolactin levels and shrink the tumor. Octreotide or pegvisomant is sometimes used for tumors that release growth hormone, especially when surgery is unlikely to result in a cure.
Where to find medical care for Pituitary adenoma?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Pituitary adenoma
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
If the tumor can be surgically removed, the outlook is fair to good, depending upon whether the entire tumor is removed.
Possible complications
The most serious complication is blindness. This can occur if the optic nerve is seriously damaged.
The tumor or its removal may cause permanent hormone imbalances. The affected hormones may need to be replaced.