The Master Gland
Your pituitary gland is the “master” gland of your endocrine system, and is found at the base of the brain. This pea-sized organ produces many hormones that control your endocrine glands and functions within the body. Because of the key role it plays in so many parts of the body, pituitary tumors are often complex and challenging.
Pituitary Tumor Symptoms
The symptoms of pituitary tumors include:
- Back and joint pain
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Hormonal changes (irregular menstrual cycles and/or sexual dysfunction)
- Infertility
- Puffy and enlarged hands, feet, ears, and nose
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Vision changes
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, a pituitary tumor consultation can start you on the road towards diagnosis and function improvement.
Pituitary Tumors We Treat
The experts at the Pituitary Tumor Program treat both common and complex pituitary tumors, including:
- Adult growth hormone deficiency
- Anterior skull-base tumors
- Chordoma
- Functional (secreting) adenomas
- Meningioma
- Non-secretory tumors
- Pineal tumor
- Pituitary cancers
- Prolactinoma
Diagnosis & Treatment
Utilizing hormone testing, CT scans, MRIs, cerebral angiography, and biopsies we will check for hormone levels that are either too high or too low. Our team may also perform tests to assess whether or not your pituitary gland is capable of stopping or starting producing certain hormones. In some cases, imaging tests may be necessary to find out more about the size and shape of your pituitary tumor.
If you have a pituitary tumor, your treatment may include either surgery or radiation therapy. Your Pituitary Tumor team will create an individualized treatment plan focused on the size and location of your tumor, as well as the way your tumor is affecting your hormone levels. Common treatments for pituitary tumors include:
- Medication
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy