The great majority of pituitary tumors are benign . They can cause visual loss (which occurs when the tumor compresses the nearby optic nerves), fluid and electrolyte imbalances and endocrine problems caused by an excessive amount of pituitary hormones in the bloodstream. The most common hormonal problems include:
• an excess of prolactin hormone, leading to impotence in men and excessive lactation in women;
• an excess of growth hormone that can lead to an enlarged heart, growth of the hands and feet and a change in
facial features;
• an excess of cortisol, which can lead to weight gain, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Standard Treatment The drug bromocriptine can successfully treat a prolactin hormone-producing pituitary tumor. Treatment of other tumors is with surgery known as a transphenoidal hypophysectomy. In this procedure, the tumor is removed through the sphenoid sinus at the back of the nasal cavity so the skull does not have to be opened (craniotomy).
Some tumors can be cured with surgery alone. Others require postoperative treatment with medication and irradiation.
If visual loss has been present only for a short time, some recovery of vision can occur after surgery relieves the pressure on the optic nerves.
