Pituitary Tumour Types
Non-functional/non-secretory tumours: These hormonally silent tumours grow quickly to the point where they elevate and extend the optic nerves as well as other brain nerves. Since these tumours do not produce an overabundance of hormones to indicate their presence, they have the potential to become quite large.
Usually, when compression symptoms are observed, they are diagnosed. The normal hormone production of the pituitary gland may also be disrupted by non-functioning tumours.
Some of the symptoms of Non-Secretory Tumours include:
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Decreased energy
- Hair loss
- Low blood pressure
- Weight gain
- Impotence
- Menstrual irregularity
Secretory tumours and functioning tumours: Functioning tumours are defined as those that overproduce a particular hormone, each of which has a unique set of symptoms. The hormone that functioning/secretory pituitary tumours secrete gives rise to its name. The most prevalent type of pituitary tumour is called prolactin (PRL) tumour. PRL encourages women to breastfeed. Overproduction of PRL is caused by PRL tumours.
Symptoms of PRL Tumours include:
- Irregular menstrual cycles or cessation of menses (amenorrhea)
- Loss of body hair
- Decreased Sex Drive
- Growth Hormone (GH) Tumours
- Inappropriate production of milk
- In men, excess PRL leads to impotence, infertility, and erectile dysfunction.
Symptoms for GH Hormones:
- Excessive production in children causes gigantism
- Acromegaly: leads to enlargement of the hands, feet, and jaw
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypertension
- Some develop colon polyps and cancer.
- Degenerative arthritis
- Excess sweating
- Coarsened facial features
- Misaligned teeth
Among other things, growth hormone aids the body in coping with illness and stress. 15% of pituitary tumours are caused by ACTH tumours. Women are more likely than men to develop pituitary tumours.
Numerous factors, including the overuse of frequently prescribed drugs containing steroids, can lead to Cushing’s syndrome. Symptoms of an ACTH tumour include hypertension, excessive hair growth, depression, osteoporosis, stretch marks, bruises, and an accentuated round face.
TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) tumour: TSH causes the thyroid gland to secrete thyroid hormone, which controls metabolism. In comparison to other pituitary tumours, TSH tumours are extremely uncommon.
Symptoms of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Tumours:
- Excess production leads to hyperthyroidism
- Sudden weight loss
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Nervousness or irritability