Pituitary tumor

Alternative names:

tumor - pituitary

Symptoms:

• headache
• visual changes
• double vision
• drooping eyelids
• personality changes
• seizures
• nasal drainage
• cessation of menses
• decreased sexual drive and impotence in men
• skin changes
• loss of body hair
• weakness
• lethargy
• intolerance to cold
• irritability
• constipation
• nausea
• vomiting
• low blood pressure
• milk flow unrelated to childbirth or nursing (nipple discharge, abnormal)
• breast development in males
• smell, impaired

Note: Symptoms are related to hormone deficiencies and pressure on intracranial structures.

Signs and tests:

A physical examination shows abnormal eye findings.

Tests that help confirm the diagnosis:

• a cranial CT scan that shows a mass (aggregation of cells) consistent with pituitary tumor (this is often the best test)
• skull X-ray
• carotid angiogram
• spinal tap for cerebrospinal fluid analysis
• endocrine function tests
• MRI of head that shows mass consistent with pituitary tumor
• growth hormone
• cortisol, urine
• 17-hydroxycorticosteroids