What Are The Symptoms Of A Pituitary Tumor?

A pituitary tumor is a benign or malignant irregular growth that develops in the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain and is responsible for the central management and regulation of all the other glands located throughout the body. The pituitary gland carries out these functions through making and excreting growth hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, vasopressin, and oxytocin. Aside from rare cases caused by hereditary factors and conditions, the cause of pituitary tumor development is not known. A pituitary tumor diagnosis is made with a physical examination, blood tests, urine tests, MRIs, CT scans, vision testing, and endocrine function tests. The treatment of a pituitary tumor depends on the type, location, and severity of the tumor. Surgery, radiation therapy, and medications may be required in some cases, while watchful waiting is all that is needed for others.