Pituitary tumors are common neoplasms that constitute 10-15% of diagnosed intracranial tumors. They are typically characterized by size and hormone secretion. Symptoms vary depending on which hormone is overproduced but can include headaches, vision loss, and changes in menstrual cycles, body hair, or mood. Diagnosis involves imaging tests, hormone level tests, and biopsies. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, medication or monitoring depending on the type and size of the tumor. Complications can include disability, death, or hormonal imbalances if not properly treated.

1. Ratheesh.R
SLMGNC

2.  Pituitary tumors are common neoplasms, and
recognition of their presentation is critical
since a favorable therapeutic outcome is
dependent on early identification of the
lesion.
 Pituitary tumors constitute 10-15% of all
diagnosed intracranial tumors, 90% of which
are adenomas.

3.  Abnormal proliferation of cells on target
tissue or on local structures surrounding
the pituitary gland.

4.  Typically, pituitary tumors are characterized by
size and by what hormones, if any are
secreated.
Size:
 Micro adenoma- less than 10mm wide.
 Macro adenoma- Greater than 10mm wide.
Functionally:
 Hormone secreting- Exaggerated hormone activity
- May secrete multiple hermones.
 Non-Secreting -Diminished hormone activity.

5.  Unknown
 Uncontrolled cell growth in the pituitary
gland, which creates a tumor
 Certain hereditary conditions
 Such as multiple endocrine neoplasia

6.  Headache.
 Some loss of vision.
 Loss of body hair.
 In women, less frequent or no menstrual
periods or no milk from the breasts.
 In men, loss of facial hair, growth of
breast tissue, and impotence.
 In women and men, lower sex drive.
 In children, slowed growth and sexual
development.

7. Too much prolactin may cause:
 Headache.
 Some loss of vision.
 Less frequent or no menstrual periods or
menstrual periods with a very light flow.
 Trouble becoming pregnant or an inability to
become pregnant.
 Lower sex drive.
 Flow of breast milk in a woman who is not
pregnant or breast-feeding.

8. Too much ACTH may cause:
 Headache.
 Some loss of vision.
 Weight gain in the face, neck, and trunk of the body,
and thin arms and legs.
 A lump of fat on the back of the neck.
 Thin skin that may have purple or pink stretch marks
on the chest or abdomen.
 Growth of fine hair on the face, upper back, or arms.
 Bones that break easily.
 Anxiety, irritability, and depression.

9. Too much growth hormone may cause:
 Headache.
 Some loss of vision.
 In adults, acromegaly (growth of the bones in the
face, hands, and feet). In children, the whole body
may grow much taller and larger than normal.
 Tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers.
 Snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep.
 Joint pain.
 Sweating more than usual.
 Dysmorphophobia (extreme dislike of or concern
about one or more parts of the body).

10. Too much thyroid-stimulating hormone may
cause:
 Irregular heartbeat.
 Weight loss.
 Trouble sleeping.
 Frequent bowel movements.
 Sweating.

11. Other general signs and symptoms of
pituitary tumors:
 Nausea and vomiting.
 Confusion.
 Dizziness.
 Seizures.
 Runny or "drippy" nose (cerebrospinal
fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord
leaks into the nose).

12.  History collection
 Physical examination
 CT scan
 MRI
 Skull films
 Serum hormone level
 Provocative Testing
 Neurological exam
 Visual field exam
 Twenty-four-hour urine test
 Biopsy

13.  Radiation therapy
 Hormone replacement therapy
 Chemotherapy
 Systematic Treatment

14.  Hypophysectomy- Removal of Pituitary.
 Frontal Craniotomy- Uncommon approach
except where tumor
occupies broad area.
 Transspenoidal Hypophysectomy-
-Directapproach through the sinus and
nasal cavity.

15.  Severe disability
 Death due to stroke, blindness, imbalance of
TSH, ACTH or ADH.
 Transient or permanent Diabetes insipidus.
 Hypo parathyroidism
 Adreno cortical insufficiency.

16.  Disturbed body image related to enlargement of body
parts as manifested by enlarged hands, feet and jaw.
 Disturbed sensory perception related to
enlarged pituitary gland as manifested by protrusion of
eye balls.
 Disturbed sleeping pattern related to soft tissue swelling
as manifested by verbalization of the patient about
insomnia.
 Fluid volume deficit related to polyuria as manifested by
excessive thirst of the patient.
 Anxiety related to change in appearance and treatment
as manifested by verbalization of the patient about body
appearance.