Pituitary Tumors

The majority of pituitary tumors are considered benign (or non-cancerous) because they do not spread to other parts of the body. However, benign tumors can still cause significant health issues due to their location near the brain and optic pathway.

Characteristics of pituitary tumors include:

• Usually slow growing
• Most often noncancerous
• Can grow quite large
• Can present with headaches, visual loss and hormonal imbalances

Other pituitary tumors can cause excessive or lessened production of the hormones that regulate necessary body functions. Treatment of such pituitary tumors can include removal of the tumor, control of tumor growth, or tumor management with medication.