Pituitary Tumor

A pituitary tumor can sound frightening, especially when you hear words like “brain tumour”, “hormones” or “surgery” in the same sentence. The good news is that most pituitary tumors are benign (non-cancerous), slow growing, and very treatable with modern pituitary tumor treatment approaches.

At a specialised centre with experienced endocrinologists, neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists, many patients are able to return to normal life—with hormones under control and vision preserved. A strong, coordinated team is the foundation of good pituitary gland tumor care, exactly what a best-in-class neuro-oncology centre aims to provide.

Understanding Pituitary Tumors: Types and Characteristics

The pituitary gland is a pea-sized “master gland” sitting at the base of the brain, just behind the nose. It produces hormones that control the thyroid, adrenal glands, growth, reproduction, lactation and more. When a pituitary gland tumor (most commonly a pituitary adenoma) develops, it can cause problems in two main ways:

By pressing on nearby structures – especially the optic nerves and normal pituitary tissue.
By producing too much or too little hormone – leading to specific clinical syndromes.

Most types of pituitary tumors are benign adenomas. They’re classified by size (micro vs macro) and by whether they secrete hormones (functioning) or not (non-functioning). Correctly identifying these features is crucial because the treatment strategy changes significantly depending on the type.

What is a Pituitary Gland Tumor?

In simple terms, a pituitary tumor is an abnormal growth arising from cells of the pituitary gland.

Most are pituitary adenomas – benign, non-spreading tumors.
They sit in a bony cavity called the sella turcica at the base of the skull.
Even though they’re usually benign, their position near the optic nerves, normal pituitary and important brain structures means they can have serious effects if not managed properly.

The pituitary gland function is to act as a hormone “control room” for the body, so even a small disturbance in this area can create large hormonal ripples throughout the system.

Classifying Pituitary Tumors: Size & Function

Doctors commonly classify pituitary adenomas in two ways:

By Size

Microadenoma
- Less than 10 mm in diameter
- Often found incidentally or during evaluation of hormonal symptoms
Macroadenoma
- 10 mm or larger
- More likely to cause pressure effects like headaches and visual problems

By Hormonal Activity

Functioning pituitary adenoma
- Produces excess amounts of one (or more) pituitary hormones
- Examples:
  - Prolactinoma – excess prolactin
  - GH-secreting tumor – causes acromegaly
  - ACTH-secreting tumor – causes Cushing’s disease
  - TSH-secreting tumor – rare, causes hyperthyroidism
Non-functioning pituitary tumor
- Does not secrete excess hormones
- Symptoms mainly due to mass effect – pressure on normal pituitary and nearby structures

This simple classification (micro vs macro, functioning vs non-functioning) guides the first big decisions in management.

Pituitary Gland Tumor Symptoms: Recognizing the Signs

Symptoms of a pituitary tumor depend on three things: the tumor’s size, the direction in which it grows, and whether it’s producing hormones. Some small tumors cause no symptoms and are spotted incidentally on an MRI done for another reason. Others present dramatically with visual loss or severe headaches.

Being aware of pituitary gland tumor symptoms helps you seek help early, especially if you already know you have hormonal issues or visual changes.

Symptoms Caused by Tumor Size

Larger tumors (macroadenomas) can press on nearby structures, leading to:

Headache
- Dull, persistent, often behind the eyes or forehead
Visual Impairment (Pituitary Tumor-related)
- Loss of side (peripheral) vision – classic “bitemporal hemianopia”
- Blurred or double vision
- Difficulty reading or bumping into objects
Pituitary Apoplexy (Emergency)
- Sudden severe headache, vomiting, visual loss, sometimes confusion or collapse
- Caused by bleeding or sudden swelling inside the tumor
- Requires urgent medical and often neurosurgical attention
Hypopituitarism due to Compression
- Fatigue, low blood pressure, loss of libido, menstrual problems, cold intolerance, weight changes – all due to reduced secretion of normal pituitary hormones.

Symptoms from Hormonal Imbalances

Functioning pituitary adenomas cause distinctive clinical pictures depending on which hormone is in excess or deficient.

Prolactin-secreting Tumor (Prolactinoma – Prolactin)
- Women
  - Irregular or absent periods
  - Milk discharge from breasts (galactorrhoea) without pregnancy
  - Infertility, decreased libido
- Men
  - Reduced libido, erectile dysfunction
  - Infertility
  - Occasionally breast enlargement or discharge
Growth Hormone (GH)-secreting Tumor – Acromegaly
- Enlarged hands, feet, jaw and facial features
- Coarsened facial appearance, widening of teeth gaps
- Snoring, sleep apnea
- Joint pains, excessive sweating, fatigue
- High blood pressure, diabetes, heart enlargement over time
ACTH-secreting Tumor – Cushing’s Disease (ACTH → Cortisol)
- Weight gain, particularly around the trunk and face (“moon face”)
- Fragile skin, easy bruising, purple stretch marks
- Muscle weakness, fatigue, mood changes
- High blood pressure, diabetes, increased infection risk
TSH-secreting Tumor (Thyrotroph Adenoma – Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone)
- Symptoms of hyperthyroidism despite a “normal” thyroid
- Palpitations, anxiety, weight loss, tremors, heat intolerance
Hormonal Deficiency from Tumor Pressure (Multiple Pituitary Hormones)
- Low thyroid (TSH deficiency): tiredness, weight gain, feeling cold
- Low cortisol (ACTH deficiency): weakness, low BP, dizziness
- Low gonadotropins (LH/FSH deficiency): loss of periods, reduced libido, infertility
- Low GH in adults: low energy, reduced muscle mass, increased fat

Often, a mix of mass effect and hormonal changes brings the patient to medical attention.

Causes and Risk Factors of Pituitary Tumors

For most people, pituitary tumor causes remain unknown. The majority of adenomas are sporadic, meaning they occur by chance without a clear environmental trigger.

However, some risk factors for pituitary adenoma and related tumors include:

Certain inherited (genetic) syndromes
Family history of pituitary tumors
Rare gene mutations affecting pituitary cells

There is currently no strong evidence linking pituitary adenomas to lifestyle habits like smoking or diet in the same way as other cancers, but maintaining overall brain and vascular health is still important.

Genetic Syndromes Linked to Pituitary Tumors

A small but important subset of pituitary tumors occurs as part of hereditary syndromes:

MEN1 (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1)
- Tumors in parathyroid, pancreatic islets, and pituitary
- Often prolactin or GH-secreting adenomas
Carney Complex
- Skin pigment spots, heart myxomas, adrenal and pituitary tumors
FIPA (Familial Isolated Pituitary Adenomas)
- Pituitary tumors occurring in multiple family members without other endocrine tumors
AIP Mutation-associated Tumors
- Often larger, more aggressive GH-secreting adenomas in younger patients

If a pituitary tumor is diagnosed in a young person or there is a strong family history, genetic counselling and testing may be advised.

Comprehensive Pituitary Tumor Diagnosis at Onco Life Cancer Centre

Accurate pituitary tumor diagnosis requires both imaging and detailed hormonal assessment. At Onco Life Cancer Centre, evaluation is usually supervised jointly by endocrinologists, neurosurgeons and radiologists, ensuring no detail is missed.

A typical diagnosing pituitary adenoma work-up includes:

Clinical history and physical examination
Visual field testing (if there are visual symptoms or a macroadenoma)
MRI of the pituitary
Comprehensive pituitary hormone panel

Advanced Imaging Techniques

MRI pituitary with gadolinium contrast is the gold standard imaging test. It provides high-resolution images of the gland and surrounding structures, allowing precise measurement of tumor size, shape and relation to the optic nerves.

Gadolinium-enhanced MRI highlights the tumor against normal tissue.
CT scan of the pituitary may be used when MRI is contraindicated or to study bony anatomy before surgery.

Hormonal and Biochemical Assessments

Pituitary hormone tests help classify the tumor and detect associated deficiencies:

Prolactin levels
- For suspected prolactinoma or to rule out “stalk effect” hyperprolactinaemia
IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1)
- Screening test for GH excess (acromegaly)
Cortisol Assessment (for Cushing’s disease or adrenal insufficiency)
- Late-night salivary cortisol / 24-hr urinary free cortisol
- Low-dose dexamethasone suppression test
- Morning serum cortisol ± ACTH
Thyroid Function (TSH, Free T4)
- To detect TSH-secreting tumors or pituitary hypothyroidism
Gonadal Hormones
- LH, FSH, estradiol/testosterone to assess reproductive axis
Other Pituitary Hormones as Needed
- GH, ACTH, ADH and others in selected cases

Results are interpreted in context—medications, stress, pregnancy and other illnesses can affect hormone levels, so experienced endocrine input is vital.

In some cases, advanced imaging like PET/CT scans may be advised to evaluate tumour behaviour, rule out rare aggressive features, or assess complex cases. Patients can access PET/CT scan services at multiple Onco Life–associated centres across Maharashtra.

Advanced Pituitary Tumor Treatment Options in India

Modern pituitary tumor treatment is highly individualised. Some tumors can be managed almost entirely with medication, others require surgery first, and some need a combination of surgery, medical therapy and radiation.

In India, specialised centres now offer world-class pituitary tumor treatment with:

Endoscopic transsphenoidal neurosurgery
Advanced medical therapy for functioning adenomas
Stereotactic radiosurgery and focused radiation when required

The goal is always the same: control or remove the tumor, normalise hormone levels, protect vision, and maintain a good quality of life.

Surgical Expertise: Transsphenoidal Resection

For many macroadenomas and some functioning tumors, transsphenoidal surgery is the primary treatment.

Access is gained through the nose and sphenoid sinus, avoiding a large scalp incision.
Using a microscope or endoscope, the neurosurgeon removes as much tumor as safely possible.
Normal pituitary tissue and surrounding structures are preserved whenever feasible.

Benefits of modern pituitary surgery:

Shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery
Less discomfort and minimal visible scarring
Rapid relief of pressure-related symptoms (headache, visual field defects) in many patients

Not all tumors are completely removable—if the tumor invades nearby structures or is very fibrous, a small remnant may be left and treated with medication or radiation.

Medical Management and Drug Therapies

For some tumors, especially functioning adenomas, medical therapy plays a central role and may even be first-line treatment.

Prolactinoma (Prolactin-secreting)

Dopamine agonists (e.g., cabergoline, bromocriptine)
- Lower prolactin levels
- Shrink the tumor in most patients
- Often avoid the need for surgery altogether

Acromegaly (GH-secreting)

Somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide, lanreotide)
- Suppress GH secretion and may shrink tumors
GH receptor antagonist (e.g., pegvisomant)
- Blocks GH action at target tissues
Dopamine agonists in selected cases

Medical therapy is frequently used after surgery if GH levels remain high, or when surgery is not possible.

Cushing’s Disease (ACTH-secreting)

Drugs that reduce cortisol production from adrenal glands
Drugs that block cortisol receptors
Sometimes pituitary-directed agents in specialist settings

TSH-secreting or Other Rare Tumors

Somatostatin analogs and additional agents tailored to the specific hormone profile

Hormone Replacement

When pituitary function is reduced (hypopituitarism), hormone replacement – thyroid hormone, cortisol, sex hormones, sometimes GH – is given to restore normal body function and prevent long-term complications.

Radiation Therapy for Pituitary Tumors

Radiation is usually reserved for:

Residual tumor after surgery
Tumors not suitable for surgery
Tumors not fully controlled by medication

Options include:

Stereotactic radiosurgery (e.g., Gamma Knife, CyberKnife)
Fractionated radiotherapy
- Smaller doses over multiple sessions
- Used when the tumor is large or close to sensitive structures

Radiation effects are gradual; tumor control and hormone changes can take months to years, so long-term follow-up is essential.

Why Choose Onco Life Cancer Centre for Pituitary Tumor Care?

At Onco Life Cancer Centre, pituitary tumor care is built around three pillars: expertise, coordination, and compassion. The aim is to offer care comparable to the best neuro-oncology centres in India, while keeping the experience personal and accessible.

Patients benefit from:

Evidence-based protocols for all major pituitary adenoma types
Close collaboration between endocrinology, neurosurgery, radiation oncology and neuro-ophthalmology
Strong emphasis on long-term hormonal and quality-of-life outcomes, not just the MRI scan

With access to comprehensive cancer care infrastructure, Onco Life supports pituitary tumour evaluation and treatment across multiple specialised cancer hospitals in Maharashtra.

Our Multidisciplinary Team Approach

A typical pituitary tumor patient at Onco Life is cared for by:

Endocrinologists
- Lead hormonal evaluation and long-term medical management
- Optimise replacement therapies and fine-tune drug doses
Neurosurgeons
- Skilled in endoscopic and microscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery
Radiation Oncologists
- Plan and deliver precise radiation when required
Neuro-ophthalmologists
- Assess visual fields and optic nerve function before and after treatment
Radiologists, Pathologists & Rehabilitation Specialists
- Support accurate diagnosis and recovery planning

This team-based model ensures that decisions are not taken in silos; every major step is discussed collectively for your safety and long-term benefit.

Patients also benefit from consultations with experienced oncologists and cancer specialists as part of the multidisciplinary decision-making process.

Patient-Centric Care and Support

Beyond imaging and lab reports, pituitary tumors affect mood, energy, body image, fertility and relationships. Onco Life emphasizes:

Clear, honest explanations of diagnosis and treatment choices
Counselling around fertility, pregnancy planning, work and lifestyle
Psychological support when dealing with chronic hormonal issues or visible changes (for example in acromegaly or Cushing’s disease)

This holistic cancer care approach recognises that treating the gland is only one part of caring for the person.

Prognosis and Life After Pituitary Tumor Treatment

Pituitary tumor prognosis is generally favourable for most benign adenomas, especially when diagnosed early and treated at a specialised centre. Many patients:

Return to normal or near-normal life
Have stable MRI scans with no or minimal residual tumor
Achieve well-controlled hormone levels with or without ongoing medication

However, long-term follow-up is essential. Even after successful pituitary adenoma surgery, patients may need:

Periodic MRI scans
Regular hormone testing and medication adjustments
Ongoing monitoring of vision and general health

Life after treatment often means learning to listen more closely to your body—and knowing that your care team is there for the long run, not just the operation or radiation course.

Schedule Your Consultation at Onco Life Cancer Centre

If you’ve been told you have a pituitary lesion, or you recognise several symptoms described above, it’s wise to seek a specialised opinion.

To book a pituitary tumor consultation or appointment with a neurosurgeon, you can contact Onco Life Cancer Centre via phone or visit our registration desk. Our coordinators will help you connect with the right specialists and guide you through the next steps in evaluation and treatment planning.

Most Popular Questions

page Pituitary Tumor

Are All Pituitary Tumors Cancerous?

No. The vast majority of pituitary tumors are benign adenomas, not cancers. They don’t spread to other parts of the body, but they can still cause significant problems by pressing on nearby structures or altering hormone levels. Very rarely, truly malignant pituitary carcinomas occur, but these are exceptional.

Can Pituitary Tumors Recur After Treatment?

Yes, recurrence is possible, especially if complete removal wasn’t feasible or if the tumor has more aggressive features. This is why long-term follow-up with MRI scans and hormone tests is important even after successful surgery or radiation.

What Are The Long-Term Side Effects Of Pituitary Tumor Surgery?

Many patients do very well after surgery. Potential long-term issues include:

Hormone deficiencies needing lifelong replacement
Rare cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak or sinus issues
Persistent or recurrent tumor needing additional treatment

A skilled neurosurgical and endocrine team helps minimise these risks and manage them effectively if they occur.

How Often Do I Need Follow-Up Appointments After Pituitary Tumor Treatment?

Follow-up frequency depends on tumor type, size and treatment:

Initially, visits may be every 3–6 months with hormone tests and periodic MRI.

If stable over time, intervals may extend to yearly.

Your team will personalise the schedule based on your situation.

Is It Possible To Shrink A Pituitary Tumor Without Surgery?

Yes, particularly for prolactinomas, where dopamine agonists can dramatically reduce prolactin levels and shrink the tumor in many patients. Some GH- and TSH-secreting tumors also respond to specific drugs, but surgery may still be required in many cases.

Can A Pituitary Tumor Affect Fertility?

Absolutely. Hormone disturbances from pituitary adenomas can disrupt menstrual cycles, ovulation, sperm production and libido. The positive side: with proper pituitary tumor treatment and hormone management, fertility often improves significantly, and many patients are able to plan successful pregnancies under specialist guidance.

This information is for general educational purposes and should not replace personalised medical advice. If you suspect a pituitary problem, please consult a qualified endocrinologist or neurosurgeon for a detailed evaluation.