Pituitary tumors are tumors found in the pituitary gland, a small organ about the size of a pea in the center of the brain just above the back of the nose.
The pituitary gland makes hormones that affect growth and functions of other glands in the body.
Some pituitary tumors can cause a disease called Cushing’s disease, in which a very large amount of hormones called glucocorticoids are injected into the bloodstream. This causes the accumulation of fat in the face, back and chest and causes the arms and legs become very thin
ACTH-producing tumors
These tumors make a hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce glucocorticoids
Prolactin-producing tumors
These tumors make prolactin, a hormone that stimulates the woman’s breasts to produce milk during and after pregnancy.
Producing tumors Growth hormone
these tumors make growth hormone, which can cause acromegaly or gigantism when produced in excess.
Nonfunctioning pituitary tumors
Nonfunctioning tumors do not produce hormones.
Recurrent Pituitary Tumors
Recurrent disease means that the tumor has come back (recurred) after it has been treated.
Treatment
Surgery is a common treatment for pituitary tumors. The doctor may remove the tumor using one of the following:
* Hypophysectomy transsphenoidal. Operation that removes the tumor through a cut in the nasal passage.
* Craniotomy. Operation that removes the tumor through a cut in the front of the skull.
Radiation therapy using high energy X-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
Some drugs may also block the pituitary, which manufactures not allowing excess hormones.