What are the symptoms of pituitary tumors

Symptoms of pituitary tumors vary depending on the type and size of the tumor. Common symptoms include headaches, decreased vision, endocrine dysfunction, etc., and prompt medical attention is required. Treatments include medication, surgical resection, and radiotherapy.

1. Headache is one of the common symptoms of pituitary tumors. Tumor growth may compress surrounding tissues, causing persistent or intermittent headaches. The pain is usually located in the forehead or around the eye sockets and may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting. For headache symptoms, head imaging examinations such as MRI or CT are recommended to confirm the diagnosis.

2. Decreased vision or visual field defects are typical manifestations of pituitary tumors. The tumor may compress the optic nerve or optic chiasm, resulting in blurred vision, reduced visual field, or bitemporal hemianopsia. It is crucial to detect vision problems early and conduct eye examinations. If necessary, surgical treatment is required to relieve compression.

3. Endocrine dysfunction is another important symptom of pituitary tumors. Tumors may affect the secretion of pituitary hormones, leading to a variety of endocrine abnormalities. For example, prolactinomas may cause menstrual disorders in women or sexual dysfunction in men; somatotropin tumors may cause acromegaly or gigantism. For endocrine disorders, drug treatments such as dopamine agonists and somatostatin analogs can effectively control symptoms.

4. Other symptoms include fatigue, weight changes, mood swings, etc. These symptoms may be related to abnormal hormone levels or may be caused by the tumor compressing surrounding tissues. For these non-specific symptoms, a comprehensive judgment must be made in combination with other test results.

In terms of treatment methods, drug therapy is suitable for some functional pituitary tumors. For example, prolactinomas are often treated with dopamine agonists such as bromocriptine and cabergoline. Surgical treatment includes transsphenoidal approach resection and craniotomy, which are suitable for patients with large tumors or those compressing important structures. Radiotherapy such as gamma knife and proton therapy is suitable for residual or recurrent tumors after surgery.

Symptoms of pituitary tumors vary, and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Patients should pay close attention to physical changes, seek medical attention in a timely manner, and choose appropriate treatment options according to the doctor's advice to improve their quality of life and prognosis.