Pituitary Tumors

Understanding Pituitary Tumors: Key Information for Patients Regarding Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment 

Learning that you or a loved one has a pituitary tumor can be an extremely scary and stressful experience, but understanding more about the condition — and how it’s treated — can help empower patients and ensure they are making sound treatment decisions. 

A pituitary tumor, also known as a pituitary adenoma, is an abnormal growth of cells that occurs at the base of the skull below the brain and above the nasal passages and the soft palate (the fleshy back part of the roof of the mouth). 

Pituitary tumors are often benign, meaning they are not cancerous and won’t spread to other parts of the body. But these benign glandular tumors — also called pituitary adenomas – can lead to significant health issues if they press on nerves or nearby parts of the brain, invade the skull or sinuses, or make excess hormones. 

Pituitary tumors are either  “functioning tumors” or “non-functioning tumors.” 

Functioning tumors affect hormone production that travels to other glands. Non-functioning tumors don’t secrete hormones, but their size can grow to compress the optic chasm, which is nearby the pituitary gland. This then can cause vision changes. 

How Serious Is a Pituitary Tumor?

More than 10,000 pituitary tumors are diagnosed each year in the United States. Almost all of these tumors are benign (pituitary adenomas). Very few pituitary tumors are cancers (pituitary carcinomas).

Although all tumors should be taken seriously, many patients with pituitary tumors live normal lives (and have a normal life span) with appropriate monitoring, treatment, and management of hormone levels. 

Treatment for pituitary tumors depends on several factors, including the type of tumor (functioning or non-functioning), its size, whether it’s causing symptoms or hormonal imbalances, and the overall health of the patient.

Treatment options may include:

• Medication
• Surgery
• Radiation therapy 
• Observation & monitoring 

At New Jersey Brian and Spine, one of the top 10 neurosurgery practices in the country, our dedicated, expert team is highly experienced and highly specialized in the treatment and management of pituitary tumors. 

What Is the Most Common Indicator of a Pituitary Tumor?

Pituitary tumors can occur in people of any age (including in children), but they are most often found in older adults. 

The incidence rate of pituitary tumors is higher in African Americans and Hispanics than in Caucasians. Pituitary carcinomas occur in less than 1 in 10,000 tumors.

Symptoms of a pituitary tumor vary by type and location. Besides vision changes, non-functioning tumors can also cause headaches. Functioning tumors can lead to an excess of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), for instance, which can cause: 

• Weight loss
• Anxiety
• Sleeplessness 

Excess growth hormone can lead to:

• Excessive sweating
• High blood pressure
• Joint pain

Pituitary tumors can also significantly impact fertility in both men and women by disrupting hormone production or causing physical pressure on the pituitary gland and surrounding areas.

These symptoms,  and others like changes in menstruation, libido, or growth,  typically lead patients to be assessed by a physician. Imaging (either MRI or CT scan) would then indicate a tumor. 

Case Study: Successful Pituitary Tumor Treatment

John, a 48-year-old marketing executive, visited his primary-care physician after experiencing persistent headaches, blurred peripheral vision, fatigue, and decreased libido. An MRI revealed a 2.8 cm pituitary macroadenoma compressing the optic chiasm and extending into the cavernous sinus. 

Upon consultation with specialists at the Montclair office, John was diagnosed with a non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma with mild hypopituitarism. New Jersey Brain and Spine physicians performed, in collaboration with an endocrinologist, a transsphenoidal endoscopic resection (a minimally invasive endoscopic pituitary surgery through the nasal passages). 

One year post-op, John has no signs of tumor recurrence, his headaches have subsided, his vision has returned to normal, and he has returned to his daily activities.

Why Choose New Jersey Brain and Spine for Pituitary Tumor Treatment? 

New Jersey Brain and Spine is a leading destination for patients with pituitary tumors. Please keep in mind that early diagnosis and timely treatment can be key.

If you are experiencing any symptoms that concern you, contact New Jersey Brain and Spine today. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pituitary Tumors