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The pituitary is a tiny pea-sized gland at the base of the brain. It serves as the body's "command center," producing hormones that regulate growth and metabolism, as well as the actions of other glands, including the thyroid, adrenals and gonads (ovaries in women and testes in men).
Tumors arising from the cells of the pituitary gland are also known as pituitary adenomas. They are almost always benign, but can have significant side effects when they produce excessive amounts of hormones or grow large enough to affect normal pituitary function or interfere with surrounding structures, particularly the optic nerves, which are responsible for sight.
There are few known risk factors for pituitary adenomas. The only confirmed risk factor is multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1), a hereditary condition that increases the chance of developing certain pituitary tumors.
Symptoms of Pituitary Tumors
Specific symptoms depend on the type of hormone secreted by a pituitary tumor.
Symptoms that may result from the size of the tumor can include headaches, double vision and loss of vision due to impingment of the optic nerves.
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