The pituitary gland is a nut size gland, located in a small hole in the lower part of the brain. It provides secretion of many hormones such as growth hormone, prolactin hormone, thyrotropin. It gives directives on the thyroid gland, adrenal gland and ovaries. It also has duties such as regulating blood pressure and maintaining water balance in the body. The tumor that is formed in this small but ingenious organ is called “adenoma” and affects many organs negatively. So much attention should be paid.
- Headache
- Weakness
- Visual impairments
- Limitation in eye movements
- Double vision
- Eyelid drop
- Body changes and some dysfunctions
- Breast growth, sensitization and milk secretion in women
- Menstrual irregularity, menstruation, infertility
- Loss of sexual power, infertility and breast growth in men (gynecomastia)
- Excessive lengthening (deviation)
- Weight gain and hair growth
Pituitary Gland Tumor Types
- Prolactinoma: When pituitary tumors secrete excessive prolactin, it can cause menstrual irregularities and milk from the breasts. It can cause sexual unwillingness and impotence.
- Acromegaly: When tumors secrete growth hormone more than necessary, it can cause a person to become giant before puberty. The growth of the chin, hands and feet, especially the heart, are serious consequences. The patient’s tendency to diabetes increases.
- Cushing Disease: The pituitary hormone called ACTH controls the secretory function of the adrenal gland. If it is secreted too much, it causes Cushing’s disease, which shows symptoms such as enlargement and redness of the face, excessive weight gain, thickening of the neck, excessive hair and acne in the skin, brittle bones, hypertension.
Treatment:
As with all diseases, early diagnosis is important. It would be good if the tumor is removed without growing too much. With the endoscopic method, it is possible to remove the tumor by entering through the nostrils. It also takes a short time to heal as the incision was not made.
Because they are benign but persistent tumors, it is necessary to pay attention to pituitary gland tumors. Despite the possibility of recurrence, it should be followed up after surgery.
