Pituitary gland tumors can trigger disturbances in organ function and various natural processes in the body. The appearance of tumors in these glands sometimes does not cause symptoms so it is difficult to detect. In fact, early treatment can prevent possible complications that can occur.
The pituitary gland is also known as the pituitary gland or master gland. This small gland located in the brain plays a role in the production of important hormones in the body, such as the hormone cortisol, prolactin hormone, and growth hormone.growth hormone).
This role makes the pituitary gland involved in so many important processes in the body and affects the function of other organs and glands, such as the reproductive organs, thyroid gland, and adrenal glands. Therefore, disorders of the pituitary gland can trigger various health problems.
Recognize the Causes of Pituitary Gland Tumors
One of the disorders that can occur in the pituitary gland is a pituitary gland tumor. These tumors can form due to abnormal cell growth in the pituitary gland.
The exact cause of pituitary gland tumors is not known. However, there are allegations that the appearance of tumors is influenced by genetic factors, either due to genetic mutations or a family history of pituitary gland tumors.
Although pituitary gland tumors are usually harmless or noncancerous, they can interfere with hormone production and release.
Know the Symptoms of a Pituitary Gland Tumor
Pituitary gland tumors sometimes do not cause symptoms when the size of the tumor is still relatively small, so it is often difficult to detect. However, tumors that are large or larger than 1 cm (macroadenoma) can press on the pituitary or other areas of the brain and cause a variety of symptoms.
However, the symptoms of this condition are not typical and can be very similar to other health problems. To be sure, it is necessary to carry out a thorough health examination.
Well, there are several symptoms that can appear due to a pituitary gland tumor, including:
- Headache
- Visual disturbance
- Tired easily
- Changeable mood
- Sleep disturbance
- Chills or often feel cold
- Infertility
- Decreased sexual desire
- Decreased milk production
- Irregular menstruation
- Sudden weight loss
Various Health Problems Due to Pituitary Gland Tumors
Pituitary gland tumors can have an impact on decreasing or increasing the production of certain hormones. This condition can trigger various health problems, such as:
Cushing's syndrome
This syndrome occurs due to the production of too much of the hormone cortisol in the body. Cushing's syndrome can cause symptoms such as increased blood pressure and blood sugar levels, fat accumulation, acne, easy bruising, and psychological disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Acromegaly
Excessive growth hormone production due to pituitary gland tumors can cause acromegaly. This condition is characterized by symptoms in the form of larger hands and feet, joint and muscle pain, excessive sweating, heart problems, and excessive body hair growth.
In children, excess production of growth hormone due to tumors of the pituitary gland can also cause growth disorders, namely gigantism.
Prolactinoma
Pituitary gland tumors can trigger the production of excess prolactin hormone which causes decreased levels of sex hormones in men and women. In addition, prolactinoma or excess prolactin in women can also cause irregular menstruation or even no menstruation at all.
Meanwhile, in men, excess prolactin hormone due to pituitary gland tumors can cause erectile dysfunction, breast growth, and reduced sperm count.
Thyrotoxicosis
The release of excess TSH hormone due to a pituitary gland tumor can stimulate the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroxine hormone. This condition is also known as thyrotoxicosis.
Overproduction of the hormone thyroxine can cause weight loss, excessive sweating, irregular heartbeat, frequent bowel movements, and anxiety attacks.
Steps to Diagnose Pituitary Gland Tumors
In determining the diagnosis, the doctor will ask for a medical history and perform a series of physical examinations and supporting examinations which include:
- MRI or CT scan, to locate and measure the size of the tumor
- Blood and urine tests, to measure levels of certain hormones in the body
- Vision test, to determine whether a pituitary gland tumor has caused visual disturbances
- Biopsy, to determine whether the pituitary gland tumor is benign or malignant
In addition to performing a physical examination, the doctor will also refer you to an endocrinologist for a more detailed and thorough examination.
Treatment of Pituitary Gland Tumors
Treatment of pituitary gland tumors varies, depending on the type and size of the tumor and the development of the tumor, whether the tumor is benign or malignant. However, there are several ways to treat pituitary gland tumors that are generally done, including:
1. Operation
Surgery to remove a pituitary gland tumor may be necessary, especially if the tumor is pressing on the optic nerve or causing the body to produce too much of certain hormones.
2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a method used to reduce tumor size. Based on the course of the disease, chemotherapy can be done as a treatment step to cure or as a form of treatment that aims to reduce the symptoms of the disease.
3. Radiation therapy
This method uses X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells and prevent them from growing back. Radiation therapy is usually used in patients who cannot undergo surgery or if the tumor reappears after surgery.
4. Use of drugs
The drugs used in the treatment of pituitary gland tumors aim to reduce excess hormone production. For example, the doctor will prescribe medicine ketoconazole and metopyrone to control overproduction of the hormone cortisol.
5. Administration of replacement pituitary hormones
If a pituitary gland tumor causes a decrease in hormone production, hormone replacement may be given to maintain normal hormone levels. In fact, some people who undergo radiation therapy also need this pituitary hormone replacement.
If the patient with a pituitary gland tumor is young and does not experience bothersome symptoms, the doctor will just wait while continuing to make periodic observations.
If it does not interfere, patients with pituitary gland tumors can move normally. However, keep in mind that regular check-ups with the doctor are important things that should not be missed, because pituitary gland tumors may develop and require special treatment in the future.