The pituitary gland produces hormones that affect growth and the functions of other glands in the body. Certain pituitary tumors secrete abnormally high amounts of their respective hormones and cause related symptoms. Other pituitary tumors do not secrete hormones, but grow and compress brain tissue, causing other symptoms.
If the tumor is large or compressing the optic nerve, standard treatment is surgery. This can be transphenoidal surgery, which gets access to the tumor by entering through the nasal passage. Radiation therapy may also be used. Some pituitary tumors may be treated with medication, and/or observed with MRI scans. Certain drugs can block the pituitary gland from making too many hormones. Follow up with an endocrinologist may be necessary to manage hormonal changes.
Please speak with your health care provider for more information about your tumor type, biomarkers, and treatment options, including clinical trials.