The pituitary gland, a very small endocrine gland found within the brain, regulates and balances the body’s hormones. The pituitary gland is often referred to as the master gland because of the major role it plays in maintaining the function of other hormone-secreting glands. According to the Pituitary Network Association, 1 in 5 people have a pituitary tumor. Despite the prevalence of pituitary tumors throughout the world, the cause of most pituitary tumors remains a mystery.
Genetics
Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is the genetic map in the body's cells, telling them when to grow and when to stop growing. If the DNA malfunctions or commands the cells improperly, a tumor can form. The American Cancer Society states that genetic breakdown can result in pituitary tumors. Because these genes are inherited, or passed from parents to children, genetic testing can identify patients at risk for developing a pituitary tumor.
Acquired Mutations
Some pituitary tumors form as a result of a patient’s genetics even though the mutation wasn’t received from a parent. A nonhereditary tumor can still result from genetic malfunction, according to the American Cancer Society. In the case of acquired tumors, the pituitary gland does not produce enough hormone and therefore grows improperly. The lack of growth may cause an alteration in gene structure, which leads to tumor development.
Overactive Glands
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type I, also called MEN, occurs when an endocrine gland such as the pituitary begins producing greater amounts of hormone than the body requires. This overproduction of hormone can lead to enlargement of portions of the gland, and eventually a tumor develops. Medline Plus states that a naturally occurring protein, menin, receives miscoded information from the body, which results in an MEN tumor. Men and women of any age can develop MEN tumors.
Carcinogens
Although pituitary tumors tend to be benign, they can still be caused by substances that cause cancer, or carcinogens, such as radiation, according to Langone Medical Center. The rays of energy produced by high-frequency radiation can mutate, or change, the cells in the body, explains the American Cancer Society. Exposure to this type of radiation, especially in large doses, can lead to tumor formation.
