Pituitary Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Methods

Pituitary Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Methods

The pituitary gland is a tiny, pea-sized gland located in the human brain that is responsible for all endocrine glands in the body. This gland controls a person's growth, heart rate, and reproduction. Additionally, it commands all hormone-secreting glands in the body.

Currently, approximately 2 out of 10 people have pituitary tumors. Although these tumors are benign, they can remain in the body throughout a person's life without causing harm. The function of the pituitary gland is a crucial detail for the body. This function must proceed without problems. When a pituitary tumor grows, it may command certain glands in the body to secrete hormones. This can negatively affect the person's health.

Treatment is usually achieved through surgery, medication, and radiosurgery. As a result of research, this disease, which occurs in both women and men, is typically seen in people between the ages of 25-45 years. However, in some cases, it has occurred at earlier or later ages.

What is the Pituitary Gland?

The pituitary gland is a nut-sized hormone gland located in the skull near the nasal cavity. This gland is located within a bone structure that protects it. This gland commands other hormone glands in the body, ensuring their regular secretion. In other words, all hormone-secreting glands in the body receive commands from the pituitary gland.

The pituitary glands are examined by dividing them into three parts: anterior, middle, and posterior.

• The middle pituitary produces only a stimulating hormone called melanocyte-stimulating hormone.
• In the anterior pituitary gland, 6 different hormones are commanded. These are:

• Growth hormone,
• Adrenocorticotropin hormone,
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone,
• Follicle-stimulating hormone,
• Luteinizing hormone,
• Prolactin hormone.

• In the posterior pituitary gland, two different hormones are secreted. These are:

• Antidiuretic hormone
• Oxytocin.

What are the Causes of Pituitary Tumors?

Although the exact cause of this disease is not known, there are some risk factors. We can list these as follows:

• Patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 1 (MEN-1),
• Patients with McCune-Albright syndrome,
• Carney complex patients,
• Individuals with a family or relative history of pituitary tumors.

What are the Symptoms of Pituitary Tumors?

The human body functions like a finely tuned watch. Even the slightest malfunction causes the body to send certain signals. Symptoms in people with pituitary tumors can appear under two categories. The first are symptoms resulting from the tumor's presence. We can list them as follows:

• Headaches,
• Signs of fatigue,
• Visual field disturbances,
• Decreased vision quality,
• Difficulty moving the eyes,
• Double vision in the person,
• Drooping eyelids.

The other list of symptoms are those resulting from hormones secreted by the tumor. Symptoms may vary depending on the endocrine gland affected by the tumor. We can list these as follows:

• Changes in body shape and certain functional disorders,
• Breast enlargement, tenderness, and milk discharge in women,
• Loss of sexual function, infertility, and gynecomastia in men,
• Excessive growth in a person's height,
• Excessive weight gain and excessive hair growth.

What are the Types of Pituitary Tumors?

There are three well-known types of pituitary tumors. Although they differ among themselves, their diagnostic and treatment processes are completely different from one another. If we list these three diseases for you:

Prolactinoma: This is a pituitary tumor of cells that produce prolactin. With the development of this disease, the person experiences breast enlargement, tenderness, and milk discharge. Additionally, women experience menstrual irregularities while pregnancy becomes more difficult. Similarly, in men with this disease, breast enlargement occurs, known as gynecomastia. It also causes infertility and sexual dysfunction.

Acromegaly: This disease occurs as a result of excessive secretion of growth hormone. If the tumor develops before the growth cartilage closes in the person, gigantism develops.

Finally, Cushing's Disease: In this disease, the person becomes overweight. Acne and skin infections occur. Hair growth occurs, and fat may accumulate on the neck.

How is Pituitary Tumor Diagnosed?

Based on the patient's specific complaints, the hormone levels in the blood are measured. If the doctor suspects a pituitary tumor from the results, MRI and computed tomography scans may be performed. After these scans, if a tumor is found, the person is referred to a neurosurgeon.

How is Pituitary Tumor Treatment Performed?

Pituitary tumors are generally classified as benign tumors; however, if they grow and threaten other endocrine glands, treatment may be necessary.

First, the size of the tumor and whether it causes harm to the person are assessed. The tumor's progress is carefully monitored at regular intervals.

In some cases, when this tumor begins to cause harm to the patient, it must be removed surgically. Treatment can be performed in two ways: through a closed surgical method via the nose or through open brain surgery. After these surgeries, the tumor is removed.

Another treatment method is radiotherapy. At this stage, this method is used after surgical intervention or in patients for whom surgery is not considered appropriate.

Finally, medication therapy is also applied depending on the tumor and the patient.

Pituitary Tumor Treatment Costs in Turkey

Along with its progress in all areas, Turkey has made significant advances in the healthcare field. These developments bring hope to people facing serious illnesses. Following advancing technology closely, Turkey is preferred by foreign nationals for the treatment of certain diseases.

We can explain the reasons for this preference as follows:

• Turkey's monitoring of developing and changing technology,
• Discovery of new treatment methods,
• Experienced and specialized doctors in their fields,
• Large and fully equipped hospitals,
• Friendly and hospitable personnel, including intermediary company staff dealing with patients,
• Vacation opportunities in Turkey following treatment,
• Affordable costs for treatment-related needs such as food, beverages, and accommodation in Turkey.

Additionally, if you come to Turkey through our assistance, we expedite visa procedures with an invitation letter sent to the consulate by our company. For all your questions regarding pituitary tumors and detailed treatment cost information, you can contact us.