Pituitary adenomas
Pituitary adenomas are common, treatable tumors. Our specialists work together to protect hormone balance, vision and quality of life while guiding each patient through a personalized treatment plan.
What are pituitary adenomas?
These types of tumors originate in the pituitary gland, which controls the secretion of hormones from other endocrine glands in the body. These slow-growing tumors are common, treatable and typically not cancerous. Treatment often requires a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach because of the pituitary gland’s important role in the body.
Types of pituitary adenomas
Pituitary adenomas can be classified by their size. Small tumors are called microadenomas and larger ones are called macroadenomas. They are also categorized by whether they impact hormone production.
Non-hormone-secreting (non-functional)
Pituitary adenomas that don’t release hormones can be small and not cause symptoms. However, symptoms can occur when the tumor gets larger and presses on the nearby optic nerves and brain. When the tumor compresses the normal pituitary gland, it can reduce the production of normal hormones (hypopituitarism).
Hormone-secreting (functional)
Some pituitary tumors lead to overproduction of certain hormones (Cushing’s syndrome, acromegaly or hyperthyroidism). These excess hormones (ACTH, GH, TSH and PRL) can interfere with a wide variety of bodily functions.
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