Pituitary gland tumours are brain tumours that start to grow in the the pituitary gland. Most pituitary tumours are non cancerous (benign). Benign pituitary gland tumours are also called pituitary adenomas.
The pituitary gland is a small gland that lies in a hollow, just behind the eyes. It controls many body functions by making and releasing hormones into the bloodstream.
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The pituitary gland is part of our endocrine system. So pituitary gland tumours are also called pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNETs).
Types of pituitary tumours
Pituitary tumours can be put into 2 groups depending on whether they make hormones or not.
The symptoms you have depend on whether the tumour makes hormones or not.
Pituitary tumours that don’t make hormones
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Pituitary tumours that don’t make hormones are usually larger than tumours that produce hormones. They can press on the nearby optic nerve and cause changes to your eyesight. They can also affect the normal pituitary gland tissue so that you have changes in the levels of hormones.
Pituitary tumours that make hormones
There are a number of different types of pituitary tumours that make hormones. These tumours can cause quite unusual symptoms depending on the type of hormone they produce.
How common it is
About 17 out of every 100 brain tumours (about 17%) diagnosed are pituitary tumours.
Most pituitary tumours are benign (not a cancer). They usually grow slowly and tend not to spread.
What tests will I have?
Your doctor examines you and checks your symptoms. You also have tests to diagnose a pituitary tumour. This helps your doctor plan the treatment. The tests you might have include:
- blood tests
- MRI scan or CT scan
Treatment
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The treatment you need depends on the type of pituitary tumour you have. It also depends on how well you are and your symptoms.
Follow up
You have regular appointments with your doctor or nurse after treatment finishes. Your doctor examines you at each appointment. They ask how you are feeling, whether you have had any symptoms or side effects, and if you are worried about anything. You might have hearing tests. And you might also have MRI scans on some visits.
How often you have check ups depends on your individual situation.
Coping with pituitary tumours
Coping with a diagnosis of a brain tumour can be difficult, both practically and emotionally. It can be especially difficult when you have a rare tumour. Being well informed about the type of tumour you have, and its treatment can make it easier to cope.
- Find out what you can do, who can help and how to cope with a brain tumour
Research and clinical trials
Doctors are always trying to improve the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours. As part of your treatment, your doctor might ask you to take part in a clinical trial. This might be to test a new treatment or look at different combinations of existing treatments.
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