Pituitary Adenoma

📖What is Pituitary Adenoma?

A pituitary adenoma is a noncancerous tumour that develops in the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain that produces and regulates many of the body's essential hormones. Most pituitary adenomas are benign and grow slowly, but depending on their size and whether they produce excess hormones, they can cause a wide range of effects, from no symptoms at all when small and hormonally inactive, to significant hormonal imbalances or pressure-related symptoms when larger or hormone-producing. Functioning adenomas that secrete excess hormone can cause specific syndromes depending on which hormone is overproduced, such as excess growth hormone or cortisol, while larger tumours can press on surrounding structures including the nerves responsible for vision, causing visual disturbances. Many small, non-functioning adenomas are discovered incidentally on brain imaging performed for unrelated reasons and require only monitoring. Treatment, when needed, is guided by the tumour's size, hormonal activity, and any symptoms it is causing, with options including medication, surgery, or radiation therapy.

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