The pituitary gland, roughly the size of a pea, is a gland found at the base of the brain behind your nose. It controls other glands throughout your body and the amount of hormones these glands produce. Although they are rare, let’s look at pituitary tumors: what parents should know.
What Are the Functions of the Pituitary Gland?
The purpose of the pituitary gland is to produce and release important hormones that your body needs.
They include some of the following functions:
- Growth
- Metabolism
- Response to stress or trauma
- Reproduction
- Water and salt balance
- Labor and childbirth
The pituitary gland sends signals to your body and organs and prescribes what functions are needed and when.
What Are Pituitary Tumors?
A pituitary tumor is an unusual growth that develops within the pituitary gland. The majority of pituitary tumors are non-cancerous (benign).
Pituitary adenoma is the name given to benign tumors that can develop on the gland. These tumors are non-cancerous.
Pituitary carcinoma is very rare in children. It is a cancerous tumor that can spread to other areas like the brain, spinal cord, or other areas of the body.
Functioning vs. Non-Functioning Pituitary Adenoma
Pituitary adenomas can be distinguished by whether they are functioning or non-functioning.
- The functioning type increases the production of hormones, and their symptoms relate to the excessive hormone produced.
- The non-functioning type does not produce hormones, but can put pressure on the pituitary gland causing a blockage or reduction of hormones.
What Are the Effects of Pituitary Adenomas?
This all depends on the type of hormone being released or suppressed. Parents will notice:
- Growth hormones control the body’s growth and metabolism. Excess growth hormones can cause something known as gigantism. When that hormone is suppressed, it can affect the child by stopping or slowing down their growth.
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) controls body temperature and heart rate.
- Sex-related hormones can affect the characteristics of sexual development and functions during puberty and later in life.
- Adrenocorticotropic hormones help the body respond to stress.
How Are Pituitary Adenomas Diagnosed?
One of our pediatric neurosurgeons will do a thorough physical examination and ask parents about any unusual changes or symptoms like changes in growth patterns. Parents should expect their child will have an eye test, blood tests to look for hormonal changes and blood sugar levels, and urine tests to measure for hormonal levels.
There may be an MRI to detect a pituitary adenoma. If diagnosed, these scans will be performed periodically to check the growth of the tumor. If needed, a biopsy of the tumor will be done.
What Are the Treatments for Pituitary Adenomas?
Our pediatric neurosurgeons in Detroit, MI may suggest a number of treatments, however, in some cases no treatment is needed.
Treatments can include medications, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Outlook is good especially when treated early. Careful follow-up care is essential.
Contact Pediatric Neurosurgery Group, P.C. at (313) 833-4490 if you suspect your child may be experiencing the symptoms of a pituitary tumor.
