Pituitary Gland Tumors Can Take Many Forms

Wed, Jul 26th 2017, 06:00 PM

André the Giant, whose incredible size fueled his successful wrestling and acting career, had gigantism caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland during childhood. But gigantism, along with its adult counterpart, acromegaly, is just one condition that may result from this type of tumor.

The pituitary gland, a pea-sized organ which rests deep in the skull, is often referred to as the “master control gland.” Its many different types of specialized cells are responsible for controlling hormones throughout the body. These cells impact systems ranging from the body’s use of sugar and fat to the menstrual cycle in women.

Most tumors in the pituitary gland are microadenomas, meaning they are smaller than one centimeter, benign, and slow-growing. Many are functioning tumors, meaning they can cause an excess of hormones, which disrupt the body’s delicate balance.

For instance, gigantism is caused by excess human growth hormone. The overproduction of cortisol causes Cushing’s Syndrome, which is characterized by excessive fat accumulation, Type 2 diabetes, and brittle bones. Vision problems are also common symptoms of tumors in the pituitary gland, which sits near several optical nerves.

“Where the tumor forms will determine what kind of symptoms each patient experiences,” said neurosurgeon Badih Adada, MD, Cleveland Clinic Florida Neurosciences Center Director, “Along with vision problems, patients may have headaches, nausea, lower sex drive, easy bruising, joint pain, shakiness, or heart palpitations.” 

Though pituitary tumors are rarely caused by genetically inherited syndromes, individuals with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome (also known as Wermer’s Syndrome) or Carney complex, or who have a history of acromegaly in their family, may be at greater risk.

Pituitary tumors are diagnosed by a series of tests. According to Dr. Adada, “Blood tests and urinalysis alert us to elevated levels of specific chemicals or hormones. We then use sophisticated MRIs to pinpoint the exact size and stage of the tumor.”

While some tumors are non-functioning and do not require treatment, others contribute to more serious conditions, such as high blood pressure or colon polyps. Endoscopic surgery has been quite effective in treating pituitary gland tumors. In the most common procedure, doctors remove the tumor through an incision in the nasal passage.

Drug therapy is sometimes used to mitigate the effects of the excess hormones, and post-surgical radiation may be prescribed to ensure that the growth does not return.

The symptoms associated with pituitary gland tumors often appear gradually, and may not be noticeable to the patient and family for some time. Though not usually malignant or cancerous, pituitary tumors do share characteristics with cancer. Your doctor may decide to take a “wait and see” approach because they are slow-growing.

Your physician may also suggest consultations with an ear, nose and throat specialist, a geneticist and an endocrinologist. An expert multidisciplinary team can determine the proper treatment, and most surgical patients have reported immediate relief from their symptoms. Some leave the hospital the same day.

Dianne Phillips & Associates

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