What is the pituitary gland?

The pituitary is a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain, often called the "master gland" because it controls other endocrine glands (thyroid, adrenals, ovaries, testes).

What are pituitary tumors?

Almost all pituitary tumors are benign (non-cancerous) adenomas. They are surprisingly common—found in about 1 in 10 people if you scan everyone's brains.

Types:

• Functional Tumors: Secrete excess hormones (Prolactinoma, Growth Hormone, ACTH, TSH).
• Non-Functional (Silent) Adenomas: Don't make hormones but can cause problems by size alone.

Size Classification:

• Microadenoma: <10mm. Usually cause hormone problems before causing mass effects.
• Macroadenoma: ≥10mm. Can press on nearby structures.

Symptoms:

• Hormone Excess: Depends on which hormone (e.g., high prolactin → milk production, missed periods).
• Mass Effect: Headaches, vision loss (especially peripheral vision—"tunnel vision"), double vision.
• Hypopituitarism: Large tumors compress normal pituitary tissue, causing hormone deficiencies.

Diagnosis:

• Blood Tests: Check all pituitary hormones.
• MRI: Gold standard imaging.
• Visual Field Testing: If the tumor is near the optic nerves.

Treatment Options:

• Observation: Small, non-functional tumors.
• Medication: Prolactinomas respond to Cabergoline.
• Surgery: Transsphenoidal (through the nose).
• Radiation: For tumors that don't respond to surgery/meds.