Pituitary adenomas – Overview and symptoms

The article was written by MSc Nguyen Thi Ngoc - General Internal Medicine - Endocrinology, Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

Pituitary tumors are abnormal growths in the pituitary gland. Some pituitary tumors overproduce hormones that regulate important functions in your body. Others cause less hormone secretion. Most pituitary adenomas are benign adenomas that grow in the pituitary gland or surrounding tissue and do not spread to other parts of the body. There are many treatments for pituitary tumors, including surgical removal of the tumor, control of its growth, and control of hormone levels with medication.

Not all pituitary adenomas are symptomatic. A hormone-secreting pituitary tumor can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the type of hormone it secretes. Symptoms in non-hormone-secreting tumors are caused by the tumor growing and pressing on surrounding structures. Pituitary tumors larger than or equal to 1cm are called macroadenomas, and can press on the healthy pituitary gland and surrounding areas. Pituitary tumors smaller than 1cm are microadenomas.
1.1 Symptoms related to mass effect Headache Loss of vision, especially peripheral vision loss 1.2 Symptoms related to changes in hormone levels Symptoms include:
Nausea and vomiting Muscle weakness Feeling cold Menstrual irregularities or amenorrhea Sexual dysfunction Increased urine output Unintended weight loss or gain

ACTH-secreting tumors produce the hormone adrenocorticotropin, which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce the hormone cortisol. Cushing's syndrome is the result of an overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands. Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include:
Concentration of fat around the abdomen and upper back Round face Arms and legs thin and weak High blood pressure High blood sugar Acne Weak bones Bruises Stretch marks Anxiety, irritability or depression

These tumors secrete too much GH (growth hormone) which can cause the following symptoms:
Enlarged and rough face Enlarged hands and feet Excessive sweating Increased blood sugar Heart problems Joint pain

Crooked teeth Increased body hair Children and teenagers may grow too fast or too tall.

Excessive secretion of prolactin from a pituitary prolactinoma can cause a decrease in sex hormones – estrogen in women and testosterone in men. Elevated blood prolactin affects men and women differently.
In women, prolactin-secreting tumors can cause:
Menstrual disorders Amenorrhoea Amenorrhea lactation In men, prolactin-secreting cysts can cause male hypogonadism, including symptoms:
Erectile dysfunction Decreased sperm count Reduced sex drive Big breasts

The pituitary gland produces too much TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), the thyroid gland produces too much of the thyroid hormone thyroxine, which is one of the rare causes of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism increases the body's basal metabolism causing the following symptoms:
Loss of weight Fast and irregular heartbeat Excited or irritable Increased bowel movements Excessive sweating

If you have symptoms that may be related to a pituitary tumor, you should see your doctor. Pituitary tumors are often treated to return hormone levels to normal and relieve symptoms.
If you have a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1), tell your doctor to get tested for pituitary tumors early.
Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consultation services. comprehensive and professional medical consultation and treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space. Customers when choosing to perform tests here can be completely assured of the accuracy of test results.
Customers can directly go to Vinmec Health system nationwide to visit or contact the hotline here for support.

In April & May 2021, when there is a need for examination and treatment of pituitary tumor at Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital, customers will enjoy double incentives:
- Free specialist examination
- 50% discount for customers with post-examination treatment indications. The program is limited to the corresponding technique of each hospital and to customers who perform this treatment technique for the first time at Vinmec.