In many cases, the individuals experience no symptoms if the tumor has not grown in size. In the rest, pituitary adenomas present the following signs and symptoms:

• Cushing’s syndrome
• Hyperthyroidism
• Decreased sexual function in males
• Changes in vision
• Lethargy
• Acromegaly [4]
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea accompanied by vomiting
• Nasal discharge
• Nipple discharge

The following tests will be done to diagnose pituitary adenomas:

• Blood and urine tests to determine the levels of hormones.
• Vision test to determine the eye sight which would confirm whether the tumor has affected the eyes.
• Imaging studies such as MRI and CT scan of the brain that would help determine the size as well as the exact location of the tumor. Intraoperative MRI may be used during surgery to prevent unexpected tumor remnants from being left behind [5].
• Several tests to determine the functioning of the endocrine system will also be done.

There are several factors that determine the type of treatment to be employed for pituitary adenomas. The size of the tumor, its location, age of the individual and overall health all need to be taken into consideration before deciding the treatment plan. The following methods are employed for treating pituitary adenomas:

• Surgery is often the first line of treatment even in adenomas that appear inactive [6]. It is required if the tumor has grown in size and is exerting pressure on the optic nerve. In majority of the cases, the tumor is removed through nose or sinuses. Such a type of surgical procedure is known as endoscopic transnasal transphenoidal approach [7]. An alternate nasal surgical approach known as the extended endoscopic endonasal approach (EEEA) is implored in difficult cases of resection [8]. Another surgical procedure that is done when the former method cannot be used is the transcranial approach. 
• Radiation therapy is done when surgery is not possible. The rays cause the tumor to shrink in size. Neuroscience research have identified the use of fractionated steriotactic radiation therapy (FSRT) to be very effective in the treatment of pituitary adenomas [9]. The use of a gamma knife may prevent the incidence of post-radiation panhypopituitarism in treated patients [10].
• Medications are also given to shrink the tumors.
• In instances, when the size of the tumor is small, then no interventions are carried out and the patient is called for yearly examination of the tumor through MRI and CT scan. 

Pituitary adenomas are benign tumors that can cause serious complications if not treated on time. If the tumors remain small in size and do not grow then the individuals would seldom experience any symptoms. Prognosis is generally good if treatment is initiated at the right time. In addition, if the entire tumor is removed then outcome is favorable.

Complications

Pituitary adenomas can cause the following life threatening complications:

• Blindness if the tumor damages the optic nerve
• Permanent hormonal imbalances in post radiation panhypopituitarism [2]
• Diabetes insipidus 
• Pituitary apoplexy characterized by sudden bleeding of the tumor
• Cerebrovascular disease or stroke [3]

The abnormal growth of cells in the pituitary gland gives rise to the condition known as pituitary adenomas. The exact phenomenon that triggers the growth of cells in an abnormal fashion is yet to be identified.

Pituitary adenomas are not inherited and occur spontaneously. However, there are small pieces of evidence backed up with clinical studies that suggest heredity as a factor for development of adenomas. But, this happens in very rare cases. Researches have implicated pituitary adenomas as a defect in gene mutation [1]. Individuals suffering from multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1) also suffer from pituitary adenomas as a secondary complication.

Pituitary adenomas are a common condition affecting individuals across the globe. It has been estimated that about 1 in every 5 adults develop tiny tumors in the pituitary gland. In majority of the cases, the tumors do not grow in size and cause no problems as well. However, these are diagnosed when individuals undergo imaging studies of the brain for some other complaint.

Pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain and is known as the master gland as it regulates the hormonal balance of the body. Benign tumors that develop in this gland are known as pituitary adenomas. The development of tumors in this gland damages the normal hormone producing cells of pituitary. This in turn disrupts the body’s hormonal balance which triggers several other conditions disturbing the body’s normal functioning.

The pituitary gland releases hormones such as prolactin, growth hormones, thyroid stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone.

So far no guidelines have been given to prevent the development of pituitary adenomas. The exact cause that triggers the development of tumors is unknown and therefore it is difficult to prevent this disease condition.

Pituitary adenomas are tumors of the pituitary gland. These tumors are benign in nature and generally do not cause any harm. It has been estimated that about 10% cases of pituitary adenomas go undiagnosed. The individuals are also unaware of the tumor development as it does not produce any significant symptoms.

The pituitary gland is the part of the brain that regulates the body hormonal balance. Therefore, disorders of this gland can cause an imbalance in its hormonal regulation activity. There are several types of pituitary adenomas that are classified on the basis of size, hormone secretion and aggressiveness of the tumors.

Definition

Tumors that develop in the pituitary gland are termed as pituitary adenomas. These are benign in nature and in many cases go undiagnosed as the tumors do not cause any symptoms. It has been estimated that probably about 10% of individuals have pituitary adenomas and would not even know about it. Tumors in the pituitary gland gravely affect the body’s hormonal balance.

Cause

The exact mechanism that triggers the uncontrolled growth of cells in the pituitary gland is yet to be figured out. Pituitary adenomas often occur as a secondary complication to MEN 1.

Symptoms

Symptoms of pituitary adenomas include changes in vision, lethargy, headache, nausea, vomiting, change in sense of smell and nasal discharge of clear fluid. The other and more serious symptoms include gigantism, crushing syndrome, reduced sexual function in men, hyperthyroidism and nipple discharge.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis includes blood and urine tests to determine the hormonal levels. Imaging studies such as CT scan and MRI of the brain to determine the size and location of the tumor.

Treatment

Surgery is first option for treating pituitary adenomas. If surgery cannot be done then radiation therapy is given to shrink the tumor. In many cases, medications are also given to shrink the tumor. If the tumor is small in size and is not causing any problems then it is not disturbed and is just regularly monitored through tests.

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2. Parhar PK, Duckworth T, Shah P, et al. Decreasing Temporal Lobe Dose with Five-Field Intensity-modulated Radiotherapy for Treatment of Pituitary Macroadenomas. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. Dec 14 2009;
3. Sattler MG, Vroomen PC, Sluiter WJ, Schers HJ, van den Berg G. Incidence, causative mechanisms, and anatomic localization of stroke in pituitary adenoma patients treated with postoperative radiation therapy versus surgery alone. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2013; 87(1):53-9 
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7. Han S, Ding X, Tie X, Liu Y, Xia J, and Yan A, et al. Endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal approach for pituitary adenomas: Is one nostril enough? Acta Neurochir (Wien). Jun 5 2013
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9. Elhateer H, Muanza T, Roberge D, et al. Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy in the treatment of pituitary macroadenomas. Curr Oncol. Dec 2008;15(6):286-92
10. Marek J, Jezkova J, Hana V, et al. Is it possible to avoid hypopituitarism after irradiation of pituitary adenomas by the Leksell gamma knife? Eur J Endocrinol. Feb 2011; 164(2):169-78.