Pituitary Tumours

What Are Pituitary Tumours?

Pituitary tumours are abnormal growths that develop within the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland regulates many important hormones responsible for growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

Most pituitary tumours are benign and slow-growing.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

Persistent headaches
Visual disturbances
Hormonal imbalances
Unexplained weight changes
Fatigue
Menstrual irregularities
Reduced libido
Fertility problems

When Should Medical Review Be Considered?

Medical review is recommended if:

Vision becomes blurred or narrowed
Hormonal symptoms develop
Headaches become persistent
Unexplained endocrine problems occur

Available Treatment Options

Observation

Small tumours without symptoms may be monitored.

Medication

Some hormone-producing tumours respond well to medical therapy.

Surgery

Surgical removal may be recommended when:

Vision is affected
Tumour growth continues
Hormonal disturbances become significant

Radiotherapy

In selected cases, radiotherapy may be used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pituitary tumours cancerous?

Most pituitary tumours are benign.

Can pituitary tumours affect vision?

Yes. Larger tumours may compress the optic nerves.

Is surgery always required?

No. Some tumours can be treated with medication or observation.

How are pituitary tumours diagnosed?

MRI scans and hormone testing are commonly used.

Can hormone levels return to normal after treatment?

Many patients experience significant improvement following treatment.