Pituitary Gland Tumors Can Occur Without Symptoms At All

Menstrual cycles are not smooth, frequent headaches, problems with vision, and accumulation of fat in certain limbs? Be careful, this could be a symptom of a pituitary gland tumor. In fact, this condition can occur without any symptoms. The pituitary gland, or commonly known as the pituitary gland, is a small gland in the brain that plays a role in producing important hormones in the body. Not surprisingly, if the pituitary gland is often dubbed the "master gland" because the hormones it produces can affect other organs and glands, such as the reproductive organs, thyroid gland, and adrenal glands. Therefore, disruption of the pituitary gland carries many health problems.

Causes of Pituitary Gland Tumors

Pituitary gland tumors occur when there is abnormal cell growth in the pituitary gland. The cause of pituitary gland tumors is still not known with certainty. However, this condition is thought to be caused by genetic factors. Could be due to genetic mutations that occur on their own, or inherited from parents if there is a family history of pituitary gland tumors. Most tumors in the pituitary gland are benign and do not spread to other parts of the body, but the presence of pituitary gland tumors can cause changes in the production of hormones that regulate various bodily functions. In addition, large tumors (more than 1 centimeter) also have the risk of pressing on the surrounding glands and tissue.

Symptoms of a pituitary gland tumor

Pituitary gland tumors do not always cause symptoms. However, some sufferers can also experience symptoms, such as:

• Headache.
• Vision loss.
• Easily tired.
• Mood Change.
• Easy to get angry.
• Often feel cold.
• Infertility.
• Reduced sexual desire.
• Reducing milk production.

Meanwhile, for large tumors that can cause a decrease in hormones, causing sexual dysfunction, chills, nausea and vomiting, irregular menstruation, and weight loss without apparent cause. In children, pituitary gland tumors can cause growth disorders, such as gigantism. Not only that, the pituitary gland affected by the tumor and is still active in producing hormones can also cause health problems. This is related to increased hormone production, such as:

• Tumors that secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting (ACTH)

Producing too much cortisol can cause Cushing's syndrome, which causes symptoms in the form of increased blood pressure and blood sugar levels, accumulation of fat, acne, stretch marks, easy bruising, and psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression.

• Tumors that secrete growth hormones

When suffering from a tumor, the pituitary gland can produce excess growth hormone. Causing the emergence of a condition called acromegaly with symptoms such as enlargement of the hands and feet, joint and muscle pain, excessive sweating, heart problems, uneven teeth, and excessive body hair growth.

• Tumors that secrete prolactin

An excess of the prolactin hormone can cause a decrease in sexual hormone levels in men and women. In addition, excess prolactin in women can also cause discharge such as breast milk from the breast, not getting your period, or irregular menstrual periods. Whereas in men, the effects can include erectile dysfunction, breast growth, and reduced sperm count. This tumor is called prolactinoma.

• Tumors that secrete thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

The release of excess TSH hormone can stimulate the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroxine hormone. This causes weight loss, excessive sweating, irregular heartbeat, frequent bowel movements, and anxiety attacks

Diagnosis of Pituitary Gland Tumors

Pituitary gland tumors often go undiagnosed from the start. This is because the symptoms caused by the condition are not typical and can be very similar to other health problems. So to be sure, a comprehensive health check is needed. In determining the diagnosis, the doctor will ask about the patient's medical history and conduct a series of physical examinations including nerve and eye examinations, plus supporting examinations. Supporting checks will be carried out, including:

• MRI and CT scan

This test is used to identify the location and measure the size of the tumor.

• Blood and urine test

This test is done to measure hormone levels in the body.

• Biopsy

It is an examination of tumor tissue to determine whether the tumor is malignant or not. The results of the biopsy and other examinations will determine the next treatment step.

In addition to conducting a physical examination, your doctor may refer you to an endocrinologist (an endocrine specialist) for a more detailed examination.

Management of pituitary gland tumors

Generally, the treatment of pituitary gland tumors will vary depending on the type and size of the tumor, and whether the tumor is benign or malignant. Management of pituitary gland tumors involves removal or reduction of the tumor and returning hormone levels to the normal position, in the following ways:

• Operation

Surgical removal of pituitary gland tumors needs to be done especially if the tumor compresses the optic nerve or over-produces certain hormones.

• Chemotherapy

A method for reducing tumor size. Based on the course of the disease, chemotherapy can be done as a treatment step to cure, or as a form of palliative treatment aimed at reducing the symptoms of the disease.

• Radiation therapy

This method is usually used in patients who cannot undergo surgery. In addition, radiation therapy is also often used if the tumor reappears postoperatively.

• Medication use

This method is used to reduce excess hormone production.

If the tumor is deemed not to cause disturbing symptoms and if the patient is young, the doctor may recommend waiting while continuing to make regular observations. Patients with pituitary gland tumors that do not interfere, can live normally. But it must be remembered, regularly consult a doctor is a treatment step that needs to be undertaken to determine the best treatment options.