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Symptoms of Pituitary Tumor

January 22, 2009

Pituitary gland is a pea sized organ in the middle of the brain. As the name suggests, pituitary tumor refers to the tumors formed in the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is responsible for the control and release of hormones like prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, growth hormone, ACTH and others. There can be mainly three kinds of tumors in the pituitary gland: Benign pituitary adenoma which is non-cancerous; invasive pituitary adenomas; and pituitary carcinomas which are malignant. Given below are symptoms associated with pituitary tumor.

The symptoms associated with pituitary tumor depend upon its size and position. However, few of some common symptoms include headaches, vomiting, dizziness and also vision problems when the pituitary tumor presses the optic nerve. Since pituitary gland is responsible for the control and functioning of important hormones, the symptoms the problem of pituitary tumor displays also depends upon the increase and decrease of the hormone produced. For example, the most common problem associated with pituitary tumor is that of high prolactin levels in the body. This in turn leads to symptoms like headache, loss of vision, scanty, less frequent and even stoppage of menstrual periods, complications in becoming pregnant, vaginal dryness, flow of breast milk in non pregnant women and even impotence in men. Similarly, too much of ACTH production leads to headaches, weight gain in face, neck, arms and legs, easy bruising, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, acne, skin problems, and even anxiety and depression. Pituitary tumors can also affect the thyroid functioning and can lead to symptoms like nervousness, weight loss, rapid pulse and sweating. Also, if the tumor affects the growth hormone, then it can lead to gigantism or enlargement of the feet, hands, lips, jaws and nose. Thus, it is important to be aware of the general and specific symptoms of pituitary tumor to get it treated on time.


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