Pituitary tumors - Causes, risk factors, complications

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

The pituitary gland is a small bean-shaped gland located at the base of the brain behind the nose and between the ears. Although small, it affects almost every part of the body. The hormones it secretes help regulate important functions such as body growth, blood pressure and reproduction.

The cause of the uncontrolled growth of pituitary cells that cause pituitary tumors is currently unknown. A small percentage of pituitary adenomas are familial, and most cases have no genetic predisposition. However, scientists suspect that genetic abnormalities play an important role in the development of pituitary tumors.

People with a family history of multiple genetic syndromes such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1) have an increased risk of pituitary adenoma. In MEN 1, there are various endocrine adenomas (parathyroid, pancreatic, and pituitary). There is genetic testing for these disorders.

Pituitary tumors do not usually grow and spread quickly, but they can cause:
3.1 Loss of vision Pituitary tumors can press on the optic nerve.
3.2 Persistent hormone deficiency The presence of a pituitary tumor or its surgical removal can cause a persistent hormone deficiency and the need for medication to supplement hormone replacement.
Although rare, pituitary tumors still have the potentially serious complication of pituitary apoplexy, when there is sudden bleeding within the tumour. This condition causes severe headaches, requires emergency treatment, often uses corticosteroids, and may require surgery.
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