Causes of pituitary tumourPituitary tumours are benign growth arising from a pea-sized gland inside the brain. The cause of tumour formation remains unknown. In rare cases, the tumour may be caused by genes you’ve inherited, but largely remains unknown.
There are no known risk factors. Environmental exposure or lifestyle changes do not have an effect on tumour formation. The only known risk factors are some rare hereditary conditions such as MEN (multiple endocrine neoplasia), McCuneAlbright Syndrome and Carney Complex.
Symptoms of pituitary tumour
Most pituitary tumours do not cause symptoms for a very long time. They may be found incidentally on an MRI or a CT scan. The symptoms may be caused by the tumour pushing surrounding brain parts. Such symptoms include:
Headache
Eye problems such as loss of peripheral vision, double vision
Drooping of upper eyelid
Vomiting
Seizures
Hormones are responsible for these symptoms
Other types of symptoms are caused due to the hormones secreted by the tumour in unusually large and uncontrolled amounts. They may be thyroid hormones, sex hormones, growth hormones, steroid hormones or prolactin.
Such symptoms include:
Tiredness or weakness
Lack of energy
Irregular menstrual cycles
Lack of sexual desire
Significant weight gain or loss
Discolouration in some parts of the skin of the abdomen
Dryness of skin
Changes of facial features
Growth of hands and feet
Milky nipple discharge
These symptoms require immediate medical attention
In some patients, there may be sudden haemorrhage / bleeding within the tumour causing a life threatening condition known as apoplexy. Such patient can present with:
Sudden severe headache and vomiting
Sudden loss of vision
Loss of consciousness
The takeawayTo avoid such a condition, an early consultation with a neurosurgeon is advisable in case of any symptom or an incidentally detected pituitary tumour. There are very effective and safe treatment options available for the tumour.
