Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is a pituitary tumor (pituitary adenoma, pituitary adenoma)?
- How common are pituitary tumors (pituitary adenoma, pituitary adenoma)?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of a pituitary tumor (pituitary adenoma, pituitary adenoma)?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes pituitary tumors (pituitary adenoma, pituitary adenoma)?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for a pituitary tumor (pituitary adenoma, pituitary adenoma)?
- Medicines & Medicines
- What are my treatment options for a pituitary tumor (pituitary adenoma, pituitary adenoma)?
- What are the usual tests for pituitary tumors (pituitary adenoma, pituitary adenoma)?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat pituitary tumors (pituitary adenoma, pituitary adenoma)?
Definition
What is a pituitary tumor (pituitary adenoma, pituitary adenoma)?
Pituitary adenoma or also known as pituitary tumor is a tumor in the gland pituitary (pituitary), the part of the brain that is responsible for regulating hormonal balance in your body. These tumors cause the pituitary gland to produce too much or too few hormones that affect bodily functions. In addition, these tumors can put pressure on the brain resulting in headaches and other symptoms.
How common are pituitary tumors (pituitary adenoma, pituitary adenoma)?
This health condition can occur in patients of any age, especially in the elderly. Can be overcome by reducing your risk factors. Consult a doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of a pituitary tumor (pituitary adenoma, pituitary adenoma)?
Symptoms depend on the size of the tumor and its effect on your body, such as:
- Discharge from the nipple
- Irregular menstrual cycle or amenorrhea (amenorrhea)
- Sexual dysfunction in men
- Myopic vision, double vision, or ptosis
- Headache
- Unconscious
- Cold
- Nausea and vomiting
- Problems with your sense of smell
- Hyperthyroidism (very rare)
- Cushing's syndrome
There may be symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a symptom, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
Contact your doctor if you have:
- Symptoms or signs similar to those of a pituitary adenoma
- Have a family history of pituitary adenoma
Everyone's body works in different ways. It is better to discuss with your doctor the solution to your condition.
Cause
What causes pituitary tumors (pituitary adenoma, pituitary adenoma)?
In pituitary adenoma, pituitary cells multiply uncontrollably. However, scientists believe that genetic factors and genetic defects play a role in causing pituitary adenoma. Some tumors in the pituitary gland are the result of a genetic disorder called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1).
Risk factors
What increases my risk for a pituitary tumor (pituitary adenoma, pituitary adenoma)?
There are many risk factors for pituitary tumors, such as:
- Age: disease can occur at any age, but is more common in the elderly
- Genetics: this disease often occurs in people who have family members infected with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1). In MEN 1 patients, many tumors appear at different levels of the endocrine system. There are now genetic tests to diagnose this disease.
The absence of risk factors does not mean you cannot get this disease. These signs are for reference only. You should consult a specialist doctor for more information.
Medicines & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for a pituitary tumor (pituitary adenoma, pituitary adenoma)?
Treatment depends on the size of the tumor and its effect. Treatment can include surgery, radiation therapy, and drugs.
People with tumors that are very small and have no symptoms may not need treatment, or a doctor will prescribe them if necessary. However, you will be regularly rechecked for blood tests and an MRI to make sure the tumor is not getting bigger.
If the tumor is too large, the doctor will perform surgery. In most cases, the pituitary adenoma can be removed through the nose and sinuses. If the tumor cannot be removed this way, the doctor will remove it through the skull.
Radiation therapy can also be used to shrink tumors for the inoperable. This method is also used for tumors that come back after surgery.
What are the usual tests for pituitary tumors (pituitary adenoma, pituitary adenoma)?
Your doctor will make a diagnosis based on your symptoms and a physical exam. There are also other methods such as:
- Blood or urine tests to measure hormone levels
- MRI of the brain to look for tumors and measure the size of the tumor
- Check vision to rule out general injury to the area of vision close to the pituitary gland
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat pituitary tumors (pituitary adenoma, pituitary adenoma)?
These lifestyle and home remedies can help you treat pituitary tumors (pituitary adenoma, pituitary adenoma):
- Re-examination to monitor the progress of symptoms and health conditions
- Take medicines as prescribed, do not start or stop using drugs without your doctor's approval
- Tell your doctor about other problems
- Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to start a pregnancy
- See your doctor or go to the Emergency Room immediately if you have fever, stiff neck, headache, or sudden changes in vision
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.