A pituitary adenoma is a benign brain tumour in the pituitary gland. These tumours are often detected by chance (e.g. on a brain NMR performed for another indication) in patients who then usually show no symptoms. If symptoms do arise, they can vary greatly. Due to the specific location of the pituitary gland, a large adenoma (>1 cm) can press on the optic nerve and cause a loss of the peripheral field of vision. The further clinical picture will depend on the amount of hormone production, whether excessive or insufficient.
The most common pituitary adenomas are:
With prolactinoma , headache, fatigue, general malaise, menstrual problems and fertility disorders, nipple loss and visual disturbances may occur. Growth hormone -producing tumours lead to gigantism in younger patients with or without headache, fatigue, lethargy, thickening of the fingers, toes and nose; in adults, an increase in volume of the extremities and organs can be observed. ACTH-producing adenomata lead to Cushing's disease with fatigue, development of a full face and fat accumulation in the abdomen, muscle weakness on standing, development of brittle skin, bruising and skin discolouration.
If you suspect this, please contact your GP. Bring the results of any examinations with you to the endocrinology consultation. You are not required to fast. An additional blood test, hormone stimulation or suppression tests (to confirm abnormalities) and/or other tests may also be performed, e.g. a pituitary NMR.
After the diagnosis, we will determine the further policy (wait-and-see, medication or surgery) together with you and the other doctors (including neurologist, ophthalmologist, GP and possibly neurosurgeon).
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you.
