Pituitary Tumors - What To Expect?

The treatment of pituitary tumors can cause many side effects based on the medical condition of the patient when the treatment was undertaken. It is the consulting physician who usually instructs the patient on what measures to take to control the post-treatment side effects. This can include medication, change in diet, relaxation regimes and emotional assistance.

Pituitary tumors can be functioning or nonfunctioning. Functioning pituitary tumors are those that produce hormones. Some types of pituitary tumors secrete Adrenocorticotropic hormone. When this happens the adrenal glands produce an excessive amount of cortisol hormone responsible for controlling the heart, the quality of the skin and the bones, fighting infections among other things. Some of the symptoms of this condition include sporadic fat accumulation, elevated blood pressure and sugar and development of a puffy face.

Pituitary tumors can lead to the excessive secretion of growth hormone. Such a condition in children can lead to abnormal growth and in adults, this may result in physical distortion. Pituitary tumors can also cause hyperthyroidism as a result of an inflated production of thyroid hormone and. Increased level of prolactin as a result of pituitary tumors can cause sexual disorders in men and women.

Pituitary tumors can be of two types: ones that produce hormones and ones that do not. If the measurement of a pituitary tumor that does not secrete hormones is about 1 centimeter, it can create pressure on the organs that are located nearby, that of the brain and the eyes. The pressure can lead to vision impairment as well as excruciating headaches.