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What are the symptoms?
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Small nonfunctioning tumors (those that do not make hormones) may be asymptomatic. When these tumors enlarge, they may compress surrounding structures and cause a variety of symptoms, including visual loss, headaches and damage to the normal pituitary gland. Visual loss is typically characterized by loss of peripheral vision but can take other forms. Damage to the pituitary gland can result in hormone deficiencies. This is called "hypopituitarism". Symptoms may result from loss of hormones, including cortisol, thyroid hormone, estrogen or testosterone.
→ Pituitary Symptoms
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What are the causes?
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It is unknown why these tumors develop. What is known is that they are generally benign, usually slow growing and are often present for years before diagnosis. They are thought to arise from a mutation or mutations in a single pituitary gland cell, but it is unknown why or how this happens, except in a minority of very rare inherited syndromes. Research is ongoing in the MGH Neuroendocrine Unit into the causes of and treatments for these tumors.
→ Research Studies
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Complications
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Complications of non-functioning pituitary adenomas generally arise as they grow large and impinge on surrounding structures, including the optic (visual) system, the pituitary gland and the brain. After surgical removal, visual symptoms will usally improve, hormone function improves in about 50% of cases, and headaches often, but not always, resolve.
→ Research Studies
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Preparing for your appointment
Write down questions to ask your doctor.
You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred immediately to an endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in endocrine (hormonal) disorders.
Special Instructions (If available, please bring):
- Copies of your medical records/discharge summary/physician notes.
- A copy of your MRI or CT on a CD.
- A copy of your lab reports.
- Bring any medications you are taking with you to your appointment.
- Please make sure your MGH registration is accurate and up-to-date.
Our clinic assistants will help you update your hospital registration and insurance information.
Thank you.
→ Appointments
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How are nonfunctioning pituitary tumors diagnosed?
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Nonfunctioning pituitary tumors are usually diagnosed by MRI. Sometimes an MRI is performed because a patient presents with hormone deficiencies. Other times, it is ordered because of visual loss or headaches. If an MRI demonstates a pituitary tumor, hormone evaluation by an endocrinologist with expertise in pituitary function is indicated to determine whether the tumor is secreting a hormone or causing hormone deficiencies by compressing the normal pituitary gland. If the tumor is large enough to compress the optic chiasm or nerves (visual system), a prompt ophthalmologic exam, including formal visual field testing is very important.
→ Newsletter Archive
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How are nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas treated?
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The primary treatment for nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas is transsphenoidal surgery. Studies have shown that outcomes are better when the surgery is performed by a surgeon experienced in this specific procedure. FAQs on this procedure are available on this website. When the tumor cannot be fully removed by surgery or recurs after surgery, sometimes radiation is recommended. Some small tumors can be followed closely with serial MRI imaging and treated if the tumor enlarges. There is no effective medical treatment for nonfunctioning pituitary tumors currently available, although this is under active investigation.
→ Appointments
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What research is being done on nonfunctioning pituitary tumors?
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The Neuroendocrine Clinical and Pituitary Center has a number of ongoing research projects devoted to understanding the cause of pituitary tumors and to developing new treatments.
→ Research Studies