hormone producing pituitary cancer

Pituitary Cancer: A Description of Hormone-Producing Tumors

Pituitary cancers, also known as pituitary carcinomas, are rare and aggressive tumors that arise from the hormone-secreting cells in the pituitary gland. These cancers can produce excess hormones, leading to a range of symptoms and complications.

Types of Hormones Produced

Pituitary cancers can produce various hormones, including:

• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): This hormone stimulates the thyroid gland to produce high amounts of thyroid hormones, leading to conditions such as hyperthyroidism [4].
• Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): Excess ACTH production can cause Cushing's disease, characterized by weight gain, high blood pressure, and other symptoms [13][14].
• Prolactin: Elevated prolactin levels can lead to conditions such as infertility, decreased libido, and osteoporosis [13].
• Growth hormone (GH): Excess GH production can cause acromegaly, a condition characterized by excessive growth in the hands, feet, and facial features [1].

Symptoms and Complications

The symptoms and complications of pituitary cancers depend on the type of hormone produced. Some common symptoms include:

• Weight gain and obesity: Upper body obesity, round face, and increased fat around the neck or a fatty hump between the shoulders [6].
• Thyroid-related symptoms: Rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors (shaking), weight loss, and increased appetite [4].
• Acromegaly symptoms: Excessive growth in the hands, feet, and facial features [1].

Treatment and Prognosis

Pituitary cancers are typically treated with surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination of both. The prognosis for pituitary cancer patients depends on the type and size of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health.

References:

[1] Growth hormone-producing tumors [4] Oct 10, 2022 — Thyrotropin (TSH)-secreting adenomas (thyrotroph adenomas) [6] Endocrine-Active Pituitary Tumors [13] A pituitary tumor is an abnormal growth of pituitary cells. [14] This report describes a complete resolution of severe Cushing disease due to an ACTH secreting pituitary carcinoma followed by the development of pituitary hypoadrenalism after reirradiation with concurrent temozolomide.

Symptoms of Hormone Producing Pituitary Tumors

Pituitary tumors that produce excess hormones can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on which hormone(s) are being overproduced. Here are some possible signs and symptoms:

• Vision problems: Large pituitary tumors can put pressure on the optic nerves, causing vision changes, blindness, or even loss of vision in one eye [8].
• Headaches: Pituitary tumors can cause headaches due to increased intracranial pressure or hormone imbalances [4].
• Weight gain or loss: Hormone-producing pituitary tumors can lead to weight gain (in the face, neck, and trunk) or weight loss, depending on the type of hormone being overproduced [5].
• Enlarged hands and feet: Tumors that secrete growth hormones can cause a person's hands, feet, and head to become enlarged [9].
• Hormone-related symptoms: Depending on which hormone is being overproduced, symptoms may include:
  • Hyperthyroidism (e.g., weight loss, increased appetite, heart palpitations) [7]
  • Cushing's syndrome (e.g., weight gain, thinning arms and legs) [4]
  • Acromegaly (e.g., enlarged hands and feet) [9]

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to hormone-related symptoms, pituitary tumors can also cause:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Seizures
• Runny nose
• Symptoms of non-functional pituitary tumors, such as:
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Seizures

Important Note

Many people with pituitary tumors do not experience symptoms, especially if the tumor is small or functional. However, when symptoms do arise, they are often related to vision problems or hormone imbalances.

References:

[4] - Context #4 [5] - Context #5 [7] - Context #7 [8] - Context #8 [9] - Context #9

Diagnostic Tests for Hormone-Producing Pituitary Cancer

Diagnosing hormone-producing pituitary cancer, also known as a pituitary tumor, typically involves a combination of medical history, physical exam, and various laboratory tests. Here are some of the diagnostic tests that may be used:

• Hormone level tests: These tests measure the levels of hormones produced by the pituitary gland in the blood or urine. For example:
  • Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) [9]
  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormone (T4) [6]
• Imaging tests: These tests create images of the pituitary gland to help diagnose tumors. For example:
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the pituitary gland [3, 7]
• Other tests: Additional tests may be performed to rule out other conditions or to assess the impact of the tumor on other bodily systems. For example:
  • Blood and urine tests to check for diabetes insipidus [1]
  • Vision testing to assess any potential impact on vision [4, 7]

It's worth noting that an accurate diagnosis usually involves a combination of these tests, rather than a single test in isolation.

References:

[1] Oct 10, 2022 — Medical history and physical exam, lab tests of hormone levels, testing for diabetes insipidus, imaging tests, lab tests of pituitary tissue samples. [3] An accurate pituitary tumor diagnosis usually involves hormone tests and an MRI scan of the pituitary gland. [4] NYU Langone doctors diagnose pituitary tumors with blood and vision tests and MRI scans. Learn more. [6] Nov 14, 2024 — The initial screening endocrine tests should include levels of prolactin, IGF-1, LH, FSH, TRH and alpha subunit, cortisol, and T4; men should ... [7] Dec 21, 2021 — Your doctor may do physical, eye, and neurological exams in addition to blood and urine tests and imaging tests to diagnose pituitary tumors. [9] Mar 30, 2023 — What blood tests show pituitary tumors? · growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) · thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and ...