Pituitary tumours are usually not cancerous, but they can still have a big effect on a person's health because they are at the base of the brain and affect the whole endocrine system. These tumours can either grow big enough to push on nearby structures, like the optic nerves, or they can make too many hormones (functioning tumours). Recognizing these pituitary tumor symptoms and diagnosis explained is crucial for timely intervention and preserving quality of life. Our experienced neuro-oncology team at the International Oncology Cancer Institute (IOCI) is good at spotting and treating these conditions, which are often hard to spot and understand. 

 

Pituitary Tumor Symptoms and Diagnosis Explained

 

There are two main types of symptoms of a pituitary tumour: mass effect, which happens when the tumour presses on nearby structures, and hormonal imbalances, which happen when the tumour either makes too many hormones or stops the pituitary gland from working normally. 

Mass Effect Symptoms: If a pituitary tumour grows, it may press on the optic nerves, which cross directly above the pituitary gland. This often causes vision problems like blurred vision, double vision, or bitemporal hemianopsia, which is a unique loss of peripheral (side) vision. Many patients may not notice this loss of vision at first because the brain can make up for it. Another common symptom is a headache that happens behind the eyes or in the front of the head. People often say that it lasts a long time and can be very bad. Larger tumours pressing on other parts of the brain can cause dizziness, numbness or pain in the face, and, in rare cases, seizures. 

 

Symptoms due to Hormonal Imbalances:

 

The pituitary is the "master gland" that controls many other glands that make hormones. A working pituitary tumour may release too much of a hormone, which can cause a number of symptoms, depending on which hormone it affects. 

• Prolactinomas, which are tumours that make prolactin, are the most common type. In women, they can cause infertility, menstrual cycles that are irregular or don't happen at all, and galactorrhea (milky nipple discharge that isn't related to pregnancy). Some of the symptoms that men have are less interest in sex, trouble getting an erection, and sometimes breast enlargement (gynecomastia). 
• Tumours that make growth hormone (somatotropin mas): When adults have too much growth hormone, they get acromegaly, which makes their hands and feet bigger, changes their facial features (like a protruding jaw and brow), causes joint pain, makes them sweat more, and often causes sleep apnea. Children who have it can grow too tall, which is called gigantism. 
• Corticotrophins are tumours that make ATH. These tumours cause Cushing's disease, which makes the muscles weak, raises blood pressure, makes the skin thin, gives you purple stretch marks, makes you bruise easily, and makes you gain weight, especially in the face, neck, and trunk. Sometimes it also makes you moody. 
• Thyrotropin Omas: These rare tumours make the thyroid gland work too hard, which can cause anxiety, tremors, trouble sleeping, weight loss, and a heartbeat that is either too fast or too slow. 

 

Recognizing Pituitary Tumors: Early Detection and Multidisciplinary Treatment Make the Difference

 

Usually, a full medical history and physical exam, with a focus on the symptoms that were reported, come before the diagnosis. Blood and urine tests are necessary to find out if there is a functioning tumour and which hormone it is overproducing. Imaging studies, especially a specialized MRI of the pituitary gland, are the most important part of diagnosis. They let doctors see the tumor's size, location, and how it affects other structures, like the optic nerves. Sometimes, a visual field test is used to check peripheral vision. If a more aggressive tumour is suspected, a biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. 

The importance of regular cancer screenings for other common cancers is well-known, and while there isn't a general screening for pituitary tumors, recognizing these subtle symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention is paramount. The principle that early detection saves lives in cancer holds true here. This saying, "early detection saves lives," is true for cancer in this case. Timely treatment of pituitary tumours can stop vision loss that can't be fixed, fix severe hormonal imbalances, and make life better in general. Depending on the tumor's size, type, and symptoms, treatment options may include medication, surgery (usually minimally invasive transsphenoidal surgery through the nose), and/or radiation therapy. Our team of radiation oncologists, neurosurgeons, and endocrinologists at IOCI works together to give patients with pituitary tumours accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans from evaluation to recovery. 

Consult us at any of our locations—across IOCI Noida, Greater Noida, Mumbai, Indore, Aurangabad, Agartala, Saharanpur, Kanpur and Jodhpur.