What is a Pituitary Tumor?

Pituitary tumors are benign (non-cancerous) overgrowth of cells that make up the pituitary gland (the master gland that regulates other glands in the body). Tumors that grow large enough to produce symptoms are less common but still are one of the most common tumors occurring within the head. These tumors may often be present for years without diagnosis or even symptoms.

The optic nerves coming from each eye meet just above the pituitary gland in the optic chiasm. An abnormal growth of cells within the pituitary gland may produce an excess of signal to the other endocrine glands leading to overproduction of thyroid, cortisone, or sex hormones. If the pituitary tumor extends out of the sella it may produce symptoms due to compression of surrounding structures including the optic nerves, chiasm, and cranial nerves in the cavernous sinus (controlling eye movement and facial sensation).