Pituitary tumors

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

Screening and diagnosis Complications Treatment Coping skills

Introduction

The pituitary gland is a small bean-shaped gland located at the base of your brain, somewhat behind your nose and between your ears. Despite its size, the gland influences nearly every part of your body. Its hormones help regulate important functions, such as growth, blood pressure and reproduction.

Pituitary tumors are abnormal growths that develop in the pituitary gland. Sometimes pituitary tumors can produce excess amounts of hormones. Other times, pituitary tumors can restrict the pituitary gland, causing it to produce lower levels of hormones (hypopituitarism).

Most pituitary tumors are noncancerous (benign), nonspreading growths (adenomas). Adenomas remain confined to the pituitary gland or surrounding tissues and don't spread to other parts of your body.

Treatment for pituitary tumors may involve surgery to remove the tumor. Medications or radiation therapy to control growth of a pituitary tumor also may be an option. You may also need medications to correct excess or deficient hormone production.

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Signs and symptoms