The pituitary gland, which is no bigger than a pea, resides at the base of the brain. Just as with any part of the body, the cells within the pituitary gland can grow out of control forming a tumor. Because the pituitary regulates growth, metabolism, the stress response and sex organs, a pituitary tumor can significantly impact health resulting in a variety of symptoms. Other pituitary tumors fail to cause any symptoms, which accounts for why although up to 20 percent of all people suffer from a tumor far less ever receive the diagnosis, according to MedLine Plus and the National Institutes of Health.
The Endocrine System
The endocrine system consists of a group of glands that produce hormones. Hormones regulate nearly every cell and therefore every organ in the body. Major glands of the endocrine system include the adrenal glands, ovaries, testicles, thymus, pancreas, pituitary, thyroid and parathyroid. Out of all the glands in the body doctors consider the pituitary gland as the master endocrine gland, as described by the National Cancer Institute.
Pituitary Functions
The pituitary gland consists of the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe. The pituitary gland produces some hormones that directly affect tissues within the body. For example growth hormone produced in the pituitary affects the tissues in the bones. The pituitary also produces many hormones that regulate the production and release of other hormones produced by other glands. For example, the pituitary produces thyroid stimulating hormone that controls the production and secretion of thyroxine and triiodothyronine produced by the thyroid gland.
Causes
Although the exact cause of a pituitary tumor remains unknown, scientists believe that genetics may contribute to the development of the tumor, according to MayoClinic.com.
Types
Most pituitary tumors are classified as benign, meaning non-cancerous, according to the National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke. Benign tumors typically grow slowly and do not spread to other parts of the body. One type of benign tumor, known as the invasive pituitary adenoma, can spread to the bones in the skull. Pituitary carcinoma, a rare type of tumor, describes a cancerous tumor that can spread through the central nervous system or to areas in the body outside the central nervous system.
Effects
Although benign tumors do not invade other tissues in the body, they can affect the production of hormones which can result in a variety of symptoms. Doctors classify a pituitary tumor that fails to produce any additional hormone as a non-functioning tumor. These tumors may cause symptoms such as headaches, vision problems, nausea and vomiting. Pituitary tumors may induce the pituitary to produce too much of one or more hormones, classified as functioning pituitary tumors. The symptoms of this type of pituitary tumor depend upon the hormone affected and the gland that hormone regulates.
Treatment
Treating a pituitary tumor depends upon the type and size of the tumor as well as what parts of the brain the tumor may be affecting. Doctors may surgically remove tumors, or treat them with radiation therapy or medications to shrink the tumor.
