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Pituitary Tumor & Headaches

Pituitary tumors are very common, affecting about one out of five people, according to Medline Plus. Although most pituitary tumors are benign, they can sometimes lead to symptoms like headache.

  1. Identification

    • Headaches may occur in pituitary tumors because they create pressure and press on surrounding tissues, according to Medline Plus.

    Effects

    • Pressure from a pituitary tumor is one possible cause of headache symtpoms.

      The symptoms of headache vary among individual patients; headaches can occur with large or small tumors, according to the University of Virginia School of Medicine.

    Types

    • The types of pituitary tumors which may lead to headache include prolactinoma (headache is often an early symptom), craniopharyngioma (present at birth but often not having symptoms until adulthood) and pituitary cysts, according to the University of Virginia School of Medicine.

    Features

    • When a pituitary tumor causes headache, the University of Virginia School of Medicine reports that it also commonly causes vision changes. Other symptoms of pressure from a pituitary tumor include feeling tired, nasal drainage, nausea, vomiting and affected sense of smell, according to Medline Plus.

    Considerations

    • Although pituitary tumors are common, headaches alone are not enough to diagnose pituitary tumor. A person who is concerned about headache and other symptoms should see a doctor for an appropriate diagnosis.

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