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Types Of Tumors

Back to Pituitary Tumors



What are pituitary tumors

Although rare, most pituitary tumors are non-cancerous (benign). However, because of the location of the pituitary gland, at the base of the skull, a pituitary tumor grows upward. And, eventually, most pituitary tumors press against the optic nerves, causing vision problems.

A tumor in the pituitary gland causes symptoms by either releasing too much of a hormone or by pressing on the gland causing it to release too little hormone. The symptoms experienced from the pituitary tumor are often determined by the type of tumor. A tumor that secretes hormones produces symptoms by releasing too much of the hormone.

Some tumors cause the gland to stop releasing enough hormones. In this case symptoms arise from lack of hormones. A pituitary tumor may also cause symptoms by growing and pressing on the structures, like the nerves to the eyes, surrounding the gland.

What are pituitary adenomas?

Pituitary adenomas are benign tumors (meaning that they are non-cancerous and do not travel to other parts of the body) that arise exclusively within the anterior pituitary. Although it can be frightening to have a tumor beneath the brain, it is important to note that these tumors are generally non-aggressive, non-cancerous and non-metastatic.

Adenomas are basically growths found on or within the pituitary gland. In fact, these tumors are quite common representing 10-15 % of all intracranial tumors. Adenomas are by far the most common disease affecting the pituitary and are usually found in people in their 30s or 40s. Many of these tumors can be successfully treated.

Pituitary tumors can vary in their 1) size, 2) secretory patterns, 3) aggressiveness, and 4) invasiveness (growth of tumor into surrounding brain and skull).

Although most adenomas are benign, small, and slow-growing, some tumors can be associated with disability and occasional death.

These problems are related to the sensitive location of the pituitary gland: 1) the internal carotid arteries (supplying blood to the front part of the brain) and large veins are located next to the edges of the pituitary gland, 2) the optic nerves (carry visual information) cross above the pituitary gland, 3) multiple cranial nerves (that control important functions in the head and neck) pass near the pituitary gland, and 4) the pituitary lies near the brain cortex (the outer surface of the brain).



Causes and types of tumors

Researchers do not know at this time what causes pituitary tumors.
The most common type of pituitary tumor is called an endocrine inactive tumor, which destroys some of the hormone-producing cells in the pituitary.

An endocrine inactive tumor causes hypopituitarism, or an underactive pituitary gland, which may lead to failure of sexual function, reduced sperm production, and cessation of a woman's menstrual period.

Another common pituitary tumor is called a prolactinoma, a benign tumor that produces the prolactin hormone. Prolactin stimulates breast milk production after childbirth.

Other types of tumors act on other parts of the pituitary, with varying effects.

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Treatment of Pituitary Adenomas

Pituitary tumors are usually not cancerous and therefore won't spread to other areas of the body. However, they can cause serious problems by putting pressure on the brain. Surgical removal is often necessary, particularly if the tumor is pressing on the optic nerves, which could cause blindness.

Most of the time, pituitary tumors can be removed through a transsphenoidal procedure -- the surgeon accesses the tumor through your nose and sinuses. However, some tumors cannot be removed this way and will require transcranial (through the skull) removal.

Radiation therapy may be used to shrink the tumor, either in combination with surgery or for people who cannot undergo surgery.

Medications may shrink certain types of tumors:
• Bromocriptine or cabergoline are the first-line therapy for tumors that secrete prolactin. These drugs decrease prolactin levels and shrink the tumor.
• Somatostatin analogs are sometimes used for tumors that secrete growth hormone, particularly when surgery is unlikely to result in a cure.

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