Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffTests 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
- 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.
- Pituitary tumors. American Cancer Society. http://documents.cancer.org/6028.00/6028.00.pdf. Accessed April 15, 2010.
- Pituitary tumors. American Brain Tumor Association. http://www.abta.org/Tumor_&_Treatment_Info/Pituitary_Tumors/233. Accessed April 15, 2010.
- Pituitary Tumors Treatment. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/pdq/treatment/pituitary. Accessed April 15, 2010.
- Semple PL, et al. Pituitary apoplexy. Neurosurgery. 2005;56:65.

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