Pituitary Gland Cancer: Recognizing Symptoms
Malignant pituitary tumors, also known as functioning pituitary adenomas, are a less common but potentially serious type of brain tumor. These tumors can secrete excess hormones, causing a variety of health issues.
Distinguishing between a cancerous and a noncancerous pituitary tumor can be challenging, but the risks of surgery to remove a malignant pituitary tumor are significant. Vision problems from nerve damage, heavy bleeding, and further damage to the pituitary gland are all potential risks.
Common symptoms of malignant pituitary tumors include hormonal dysfunction, vision problems, headaches, and neurological deficits. Hormonal dysfunction symptoms, such as hormone deficiencies, can lead to growth problems, delayed or precocious puberty, menstrual irregularities, fatigue, weakness, and central diabetes insipidus with excessive thirst and urination. Headaches, often severe and sudden, can be described as the "worst headache of your life," especially in cases of pituitary apoplexy (bleeding or swelling of the tumor). Vision problems, such as blurred vision, double vision, loss of peripheral vision, eye pain, drooping eyelids, and possibly complete vision loss, can occur due to compression of optic nerves. Neurological symptoms, such as seizures, cognitive changes, confusion, altered mental state, weakness, and fatigue, are also common.
Serious complications associated with malignant pituitary tumors include pituitary apoplexy, permanent vision loss, severe hormone deficiencies, and brain swelling. Pituitary apoplexy is a life-threatening emergency characterized by sudden bleeding or swelling within the tumor, causing acute symptoms requiring urgent medical care. Progressive hormonal deficiencies can lead to systemic effects like low blood pressure, low blood sugar, weakness, and cold intolerance. Visual impairment caused by tumor compression of optic structures can potentially lead to permanent vision loss if untreated. Neurological deficits from direct pressure on brain structures may manifest as seizures, cognitive decline, headaches, and life-threatening brain swelling (edema).
MRI or CT scans can detect tumors in the pituitary gland, and blood and urine tests can determine hormone levels. Pituitary cancer can spread to areas both inside and outside the brain, including the spinal cord, eyes, lymph nodes, certain organs, and distant areas of the body. The appropriate treatment can correct these complications, and pituitary cancer or its treatments do not always cause long-term health issues. A doctor can work with an individual to formulate the best palliative treatment plan for them, which may involve radiation therapy, surgery, and chemotherapy.
Managing pituitary cancer symptoms is challenging due to the aggressive nature of the tumor. However, it is important to note that treatment for pituitary cancer does not always lead to long-term health issues. If left untreated, pituitary cancer can decrease a person's quality of life or likelihood of survival.
References:
- Pituitary Gland Tumors
- Malignant Pituitary Tumors
- Pituitary Apoplexy
- Diagnosis of Pituitary Tumors
- Pituitary Tumor Symptoms
- Diabetes insipidus, a type of health-and-wellness condition, can be a symptom of malignant pituitary tumors, which are neurological disorders arising from the pituitary gland and can lead to serious medical-conditions such as hormone deficiencies and vision problems.
- Science has made significant strides in the development of therapies-and-treatments for malignant pituitary tumors, including radiation therapy, surgery, and chemotherapy, making it crucial to seek prompt medical attention if such a condition is suspected.
- Besides cancer, malignant pituitary tumors can cause complications like pituitary apoplexy, brain swelling, and permanent vision loss, underscoring the importance of early detection and effective management to maintain overall health-and-wellness.
