Pituitary tumors

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Tests and diagnosis

By Mayo Clinic staff

Tests your doctor may conduct to diagnose a pituitary tumor include:

  • Blood and urine tests. Tests of your blood and urine samples can determine whether you have an overproduction or deficiency of hormones.
  • Brain imaging. A computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of your brain can help your doctor judge the location and size of a pituitary tumor.
  • Vision testing. Such tests can determine if growth of a pituitary tumor has impaired your sight or peripheral vision.

In addition, your doctor may refer you to an endocrinologist for more extensive testing.

References
  1. Pituitary tumors information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/pituitary_tumors/pituitary_tumors.htm. Accessed April 15, 2010.
  2. Pituitary tumors. American Cancer Society. http://documents.cancer.org/6028.00/6028.00.pdf. Accessed April 15, 2010.
  3. Pituitary tumors. American Brain Tumor Association. http://www.abta.org/Tumor_&_Treatment_Info/Pituitary_Tumors/233. Accessed April 15, 2010.
  4. Pituitary Tumors Treatment. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/pdq/treatment/pituitary. Accessed April 15, 2010.
  5. Semple PL, et al. Pituitary apoplexy. Neurosurgery. 2005;56:65.
DS00533 June 5, 2010

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