Symptoms of PITUITARY TUMOR

Endocrine tumors of the pituitary usually arise from cells that produce prolactin, growth hormone or cortisol. They may produce symptoms by producing excessive quantities of these hormones. Prolactin can cause breast milk secretion. It frequently leads to irregular menstrual periods in women and infertility. Growth hormone secreting tumors that arise before the end of puberty produce gigantism. Adults that develop growth hormone tumors develop acromegaly. This leads to enlargement of the hands, feet and forehead. The tongue may be increased in size. Diabetes may also develop. Cortisol secretion tumors produce Cushing's disease. The face becomes round and moon-like. Excess hair develops. Stretch marks develop. Easy bruising occurs. Menstrual irregularities develop in women and erectile dysfunction in men. Osteoporosis and unexpected fractures may occur. Muscle weakness develops. Craniopharyngiomas often occur in childhood and lead to sexual retardation. There may be problems with hypopituitarism. Meningiomas can secondarily compress and damage the pituitary producing various degrees of hypopituitarism. Similar changes can occur with metastatic tumors of the pituitary gland. As the tumors enlarge, they can compress the optic nerves. This leads to visual loss, usually most prominent in the peripheral visual fields. Blurred vision, double vision, and drooping eyelids can be caused by tumors putting pressure on nerves to the eye or the muscles that move the eye. Headache can occur. Nausea and vomiting may develop. Occasionally, destruction of the skull base can produce cerebrospinal fluid leaks, with clear fluid draining out of the nose or down the throat. Excessive urine output can occur leading to lightheadedness, rapid heart beat and increased thirst.