Pituitary Tumors Aren’t a Problem — Until They Are

Pituitary tumors are more common than you think. In fact, you can have one your entire life without even knowing it. The good news is they are rarely cancerous.

Occasionally, however, the tumors — located on the pituitary gland at the base of the skull — cause problems. Kushal Shah, MD, an independent neurosurgeon who chooses to practice at Franciscan Health, explains what pituitary tumors are and when to seek medical care.

What Is The Pituitary Gland?

Your pituitary gland is at the base of your brain. Sometimes called the “master gland,” the pituitary gland makes, stores and releases hormones that play a role in human reproduction, sexual function, growth and other body functions.

A pituitary tumor is an abnormal growth in the pituitary gland. Most pituitary tumors don’t cause symptoms. By some estimates, about one in four people has a pituitary tumor without knowing it.

How Do You Know If You Have A Pituitary Tumor?           

Most people who are diagnosed with a pituitary tumor find out about it from a brain imaging scan or blood test that their provider ordered for a different medical issue. Others learn their diagnosis after seeking medical care for symptoms.

Pituitary tumors can grow and press on the optic nerves. This pressure leads to peripheral vision loss or tunnel vision. Less commonly, pituitary tumors may cause your body to produce too much or too little of certain hormones. The hormone imbalance can lead to symptoms such as:

• Breast milk production in men or in women who aren’t pregnant
• Feeling tired or weak
• Growth in the hands and feet
• Changes in your face due to facial bone growth
• Fertility issues
• Headaches
• Loss of body hair
• Lower sex drive
• Menstrual changes
• In men, trouble with erections
• Unexplained weight loss or gain

Is A Pituitary Tumor A Big Deal?

“A pituitary tumor is not a big deal unless it causes symptoms,” Dr. Shah said. “Some of my patients have had a pituitary tumor for years without any problems. I monitor them with routine check-ins and imaging studies to make sure the tumor isn’t causing problems.”

What Should I Do If I Have Symptoms?

Make an appointment with your primary care provider if you have hormone-related symptoms. These symptoms could be related to a pituitary tumor or many other conditions. If you have vision problems, see your eye doctor.

Your provider may order a vision test, blood tests or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Depending on the test results, the next step could be to see a neurosurgeon or an endocrinologist (a doctor who specializes in hormone-related conditions).

What Should I Look For In A Care Team If I Have A Pituitary Tumor?

“You want to find a care team that has experience treating pituitary tumors and communicates with each other about your treatment. That’s what you’ll find at Franciscan Health,” Dr. Shah said. “We have primary care providers, endocrinologists, neurosurgeons and ophthalmologists who see many people with pituitary tumors. We collaborate to ensure you get the specialized care you need.”

What Treatments Are Necessary For Pituitary Tumors?

“Treatment varies depending on each patient’s unique situation,” Dr. Shah said. “Most people don’t need any treatment — just observation. But treatment is sometimes necessary.

“People who are having hormonal issues may need medicine to treat the problem, although they may need surgery, too. Patients with large tumors causing vision issues definitely need surgery. If the tumor is too close to delicate structures of the brain, or the person can’t have surgery for some other reason, the care team may recommend radiation therapy to shrink the tumor.”

Do Pituitary Tumors Grow Back After Treatment?

“There is a possibility of regrowth even if the surgeon removes the tumor perfectly or radiation therapy shrinks it to nothing. That’s why we monitor patients long-term,” Dr. Shah said. “If the tumor grows back, we might do another surgery or radiation therapy, depending on the situation.”

What’s The Prognosis For People Who Have Surgery For Pituitary Tumors?

“Pituitary tumor surgery is one of my favorites, partly because patients do so well afterward,” Dr. Shah said. “At Franciscan, we typically access the tumor through the nose using minimally invasive techniques. This means no scarring and very little post-op pain. Most patients return home within two days, and within a month, they are back to their usual routine.”