Pituitary Cancer Definition

Malignant pituitary tumors are tumors of the pituitary glad. The pituitary gland is housed directly in the middle of the brain. The pituitary glad makes and secretes many different hormones for our body. A tumor within the pituitary typically produces too much of one or more hormone.

Functioning Tumor

• When a pituitary tumor is referred to as a "functioning" tumor, it can cause different hormones to over produce. Depending on the specific type of tumor, it can cause the over production of hormones in various organs.

Adrenal glands

• Adrenal glands require the adrenocorticotropic hormone in order to function properly. Over production of this hormone can cause Cushing's syndrome. Symptoms include weight gain, hypertension, muscle weakness and bruising.

Thyroid gland

• The thyroid gland requires stimulating hormones. Too much of this thyroid-stimulating hormone can cause hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism can cause irritability, sudden weight loss and irregular heartbeat.

Surgical removal

• Typically, surgical removal of the tumor is the preferred method of treatment. However, because the tumor is removed though the sinus cavity, large tumors may be harder to remove and may require additional treatment.

Large tumors

• For larger tumors, transcranial hypophysectomy may be required. The procedure requires surgical removal though the skull.