This depends on the type of tumor and the size of the tumor. A large tumor may cause loss of vision, particularly peripheral vision, if it compresses the optic chiasm (where the optic [eye] nerves converge). Headache may also occur; the type of headache varies from patient to patient. Headache may occur with a large or a small tumor.

The pituitary gland is NOT in the brain and pituitary tissue is different from brain tissue. Since the pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain and is connected to the brain by a thin stalk, there is often confusion, particularly by insurance companies, about the classification of a pituitary tumor. A pituitary tumor is NOT a brain tumor.

Prolactin-producing tumors are most successfully treated with medical therapy (pills). In over 90% of patients, medical therapy reduces tumor size and blood prolactin levels. In approximately 8-10% of patients, medical treatment is not completely effective and surgery may be necessary.

Pituitary tumors are common. In autopsy studies of patients who did not have known pituitary disease, as many as 26% had a small tumor (adenoma) in the gland. Molecular biology studies have shown that a change in the DNA of pituitary cells can cause unregulated growth of a particular cell type resulting in a pituitary tumor, called an adenoma. There are no known environmental causes. Very uncommonly, pituitary tumors may be inherited.

No, in over 99% of patients, this is NOT a cancer; it is benign. Although the tumor is benign, it can cause problems because of its size, because it causes the normal pituitary gland to become underactive (hypopituitarism) or because of excessive hormone production by the tumor.

No although the tumor may be in the area of the pituitary. A craniopharyngioma arises from abnormal development of the pituitary gland during fetal (in the womb) development. It may be located within the pituitary gland or above the pituitary gland. This is a tumor that one is born with and may enlarge at any time even in people over 60 years of age. It is not a cancer although some tumors can grow quickly and may return after surgery.

I first had cushings about 15 years ago lately I have been having symptoms of irritability, deep stretch marks in the bends of my elbows and bone fatigue. I have just lost 75 lbs and have become diabetic, also I have high cholesterol for the first time.

In general, no. There are no specific medical treatments for this type of tumor. The best treatment is surgery to remove the tumor. Bromocriptine has been used in a few patients who could not have surgery. In this situation, a small minority of patients have had some improvement in vision because of slight reduction in tumor size and relief of pressure on the optic chiasm (eye nerves responsible for vision).

The meaning of the word tumor is a "lump" or a "swelling", and in medical language it is used to indicate an abnormal, uncontrolled growth in any part of the body. You may think of it as a group of cells which rapidly divide and do not recognize any rule or limit. The brain tumors are similar to the tumors of other organs. However, since the brain is the center of many critical functions, tumors arising in this organ have serious outcomes.

A mass or lump of extra tissue is called a tumor. It can be either benign or malignant. Benign tumors are not cancerous. Malignant tumors are cancerous.

A pituitary tumor is a tumor that begins in the pituitary gland. Most pituitary tumors are not cancer. In fact, cancerous pituitary tumors are so rare that state and national cancer agencies keep no record of how many people get them each year. Benign (non-cancerous) pituitary tumors are also rare. About 3,000 people get them each year.

The pituitary gland is a small gland located behind the nasal sinuses and above the roof of the mouth at the base of the skull. It is connected to the hypothalamus, a part of the brain. Together, the two control the production of many of the important hormones in the body. The pituitary gland sits in a tight bony space and has little room to grow or expand when swollen or if there is a tumor.

CDI itself does not interfere with menstruation or fertility. However, it may be associated with these or other problems if the disease or injury that caused the DI also damages adjacent parts of the brain or pituitary where other hormones are normally produced. Head trauma is one of the things that can cause this kind of collateral damage, but it does not always do so. Therefore, each patient with CDI must be evaluated separately to determine if any of the other hormones have been affected.