1. Brief Introduction
The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain and contains a variety of cells that can produce different types of hormones. Pituitary adenomas are tissues that grow abnormally in the pituitary gland and can be divided into different types according to the cells involved. Pituitary adenomas can cause problems in different ways:
◆ Excessive production of a certain hormone.
◆Compress nearby brain tissues, such as nerves that go from the eyes to the brain, causing vision problems.
◆ Compress other pituitary cells, making them unable to produce sufficient hormones.
2. Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the type and size of pituitary adenoma. Some pituitary adenomas do not cause symptoms, especially the smaller ones, and are often found only when brain imaging examinations (which can show images of the inside of the body) are performed for other reasons. Pituitary adenomas can abnormally increase or decrease hormone levels in the body. Depending on the hormone affected, symptoms can include:
◆ Absent or irregular menstruation, milky discharge from nipples (female)
◆ Low libido or erectile dysfunction (male)
◆ Acromegaly-the hands, feet, jaws, etc. are abnormally enlarged, and the onset usually lasts for a long time.
◆ Cushing syndrome can cause weight gain, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and muscle weakness.
◆ Hyperthyroidism-can cause tremor, nervousness or fatigue. ●Giantism (children)-The child grows very quickly, is taller than other children of the same age, and sometimes has a larger head. If the pituitary adenoma enlarges or compresses adjacent tissues, it can also cause related symptoms, including: Visual changes and headache
3. Examinations
◆ Hormone test-to assess the level of different hormones in the body, usually a blood test, and may also include urine or saliva test.
◆ Brain MRI
◆ Visual inspection-may include "visual field inspection".
4. Treatment Options
Pituitary adenomas that are accidentally found and have no symptoms usually do not require treatment, but doctors will monitor their growth through regular follow-ups. Larger or symptomatic pituitary adenomas usually require treatment, depending on the type, size, and symptoms of the pituitary adenoma.
Treatment methods include:
◆ Drugs can shrink certain types of pituitary adenomas and reduce their hormone production, but not all types of pituitary adenomas are effective.
◆ Surgery: Many pituitary adenomas can be treated surgically. The doctor will make a small incision on the back of the nasal cavity and then remove the adenoma with special tools.
◆ Radiotherapy: using high-dose X-rays to destroy or shrink adenomas, usually used after surgery to prevent them from growing again. After treatment, regular follow-up monitoring will be conducted to confirm whether the pituitary adenoma has recurred. Some patients also need long-term hormone therapy to correct hormone levels in the body.
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