biology

1. Tumors
A tumor is an abnormal growth of body tissue. Tumors can be cancerous
(malignant) or noncancerous (benign).
Causes of Tumors
The exact cause of a benign tumor is often unknown. It develops when cells
in the body divide and grow at an excessive rate. Typically, the body is able
to balance cell growth and division. When old or damaged cells die, they
are automatically replaced with new, healthy cells. In the case of tumors,
dead cells remain and form a growth known as a tumor.
Anyone can develop a benign tumor, including children, though adults are
more likely to develop them with increasing age.
Cancer cells grow in the same manner. However, unlike the cells in benign
tumors, cancerous cells can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts
of the body.
Classification of Benign Tumors
Benign tumors are classified by where they grow. Different types of benign
tumors are included below:
 Adenomas form in the thin layer of tissue that covers glands, organs,
and other internal structures. Examples include polyps that form in
the colon or growths on the liver.
 Lipomas grow from fat cells and are the most common type of
benign tumor, according to the Cleveland Clinic. They are often found
on the back, arms, or neck. They are usually soft and round, and can
be moved slightly under the skin.
 Myomas grow from muscle or in the walls of blood vessels. They can
also grow in smooth muscle, like the kind found inside organs such
as the uterus or stomach.
 Nevi are also known as moles. These are noncancerous growths on
the skin and they are very common.

2.  Fibroids, or fibromas, can grow in the fibrous tissue found in any
organ. They are most common in the uterus, where they are known
as uterine fibroids.
Pituitary Tumors
A pituitary tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in the pituitary
gland, which is the main hormone-producing gland in the
body. About 10 percent of all primary brain tumors are pituitary
tumors, and only a very small number of pituitary tumors are
malignant (cancerous). Many pituitary tumors are small, do not cause
health problems and may never need treatment. Almost all pituitary
tumors can be treated, usually through medications and surgery.
Causes
There is no obvious cause of pituitary tumors. Some might be related to
stimulation from the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that signals the
pituitary gland to make hormones. About one to five percent of pituitary
tumors occur within families. Certain rare inherited conditions can mean a
higher risk of pituitary tumors.
Types of Pituitary Tumors
Pituitary tumors include:
 Adenomas
 Craniopharyngiomas
 Rathke's cleft cysts
Signs and Symptoms of Pituitary Tumors

3. A pituitary tumor causes symptoms by pushing on brain tissue
surrounding the tumor or through excessive or impaired hormone
production. Some pituitary tumors may not cause any symptoms.
The most common symptoms include:
 Headaches
 Vision problems that cannot be easily explained
 Menstrual cycle changes
 Mood swings or behavior changes
 Erectile dysfunction
 Weight changes
Other symptoms include:
 Production of breast milk by a woman who has not given birth
 Accelerated or stunted growth in a child or teenager
 Growth of the hands, feet, forehead and jaw in adults
 Development of a round face, a hump between the shoulders or both
 Feeling very tired
Diagnosis of a Pituitary Tumor
Diagnosis of a pituitary tumor involves:
 A physical exam: This includes questions about symptoms the person is
experiencing, personal and family health history, physical exam, and
tests of vision, and reflexes.
 Brain imaging: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, which uses
computers to create detailed images of the brain and pituitary gland, is

4. the most common scan used to diagnose pituitary tumors. People with a
pacemaker or who cannot have an MRI scan for another reason will
receive a computerized tomography scan (CT or CAT scan) instead. A CT
scan also uses computers to create detailed images of the brain and
pituitary gland.
 Blood and urine tests: An endocrinologist will perform blood or urine
tests to determine the levels of hormones in the body. If the person has
abnormal amounts of specific hormones, this will help doctors diagnose
a specific syndrome.
 Biopsy : This is a rarely needed surgical procedure to remove a small
sample of the tumor for examination under a microscope.
Treatment for Pituitary Tumors
 The treatment for a pituitary tumor will depend on many factors,
including:
 The location of the tumor
 Whether the pituitary tumor produces excessive amounts of a specific
hormone
 The person’s general health and preferences regarding potential
treatment options
Observation
Observation means seeing a neurosurgeon or endocrinologist and having
imaging tests performed periodically. Treatment may be necessary later, for
example, if the pituitary tumor grows or symptoms worsen.
Surgery for Pituitary Tumors
Surgery is the most common treatment for pituitary tumors. If the pituitary
tumor is benign and in a part of the brain where neurosurgeons can safely
completely remove it, surgery might be the only treatment needed.
Surgery may be recommended if the tumor:
 Is producing hormones that medication cannot control
 Is causing health problems by pressing on the pituitary gland or other
parts of the nervous system

5.  Is still growing despite previous treatment with medication or surgery
The most common types of surgery for pituitary tumors are:
 Endonasal endoscopic surgery
 Neuroendoscopic surgery
 Craniotomy
Medication (Drug Therapy) for Pituitary Tumors
Medication (drug therapy) is very effective for treating some hormone-
producing pituitary tumors. The medication can stop a tumor from
producing excess hormones or shrink it so it does not press on the pituitary
gland or other parts of the nervous system.
Radiation Therapy for Pituitary Tumors
Doctors administer radiation therapy for pituitary tumors that:
 Cannot be completely removed safely
 Grow quickly
 Do not shrink with medication
 Are located in areas of the brain where surgery is unsafe
 Recur after surgery
After Treatment
After surgery or radiation therapy, medication may be required to replace
or control the balance of hormones in the body. Some people might be
able to stop taking hormone medication eventually.
The doctor will follow up by performing MRI scans and blood and urine
tests after treatment to determine how well the pituitary gland is working.