Pituitary Tumor Symptoms and Treatment

Pituitary Tumor Symptoms and Treatment - Pituitary tumors can go unnoticed especially when we rely on symptoms. Pituitary tumors are classified into functional and non-functional. A functional tumor is when it releases excess hormones, while the other one doesn’t release them.

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Pituitary tumor symptoms

Pituitary macroadenomas are benign tumors, while carcinomas are considered cancers. These tumors can cause symptoms when they press on nearby nerves. The symptoms include sudden blindness, blurred vision, headaches, dizziness, and facial numbness. See, all these symptoms are common and can be associated with many other diseases. Vision problems are usually caused by a tumor pressing down on the nerves that connect the eyes and the brain. If the tumor affects the normal parts of the pituitary gland, it can also cause a problem. It will directly interfere with how the gland releases hormones.

And when certain hormones are not produced properly, it can result in weakness, nausea, and weight gain. For women, this condition can also affect their menstrual cycles. There is another type of tumor called growth hormone-secreting adenomas. Since growth hormone plays a big role in our development, the symptoms can be very visible in children. Those who have these tumors growing in their bodies may end up with a condition called gigantism which is characterized by tall stature.

Pituitary tumors treatment

There are some treatment options for pituitary tumors, one of which is surgery. This procedure can help remove a tumor from the body. In fact, it is one of the most common treatments for tumors. It should be safe and effective when done by a skilled surgeon. There is also radiation therapy, which is commonly used for cancer treatment. With the help of high-energy X-Rays, the doctor will try to destroy the tumor cells. This should also performed by a skilled oncologist. If the first treatment plan has been given yet there’s still a portion of the tumor left, the doctor may suggest another therapy session called stereotactic radiation. Not everyone needs it especially for a tumor that’s considered noncancerous and not likely to grow back.