Pituitary Adenomas
Our pituitary adenomas specialists in New York are here for you. Our team of endocrine doctors near you are dedicated to supporting your success and ensuring that you regain your metabolic health and overall wellness.
What Are Pituitary Adenomas?
Pituitary adenomas, also known as pituitary masses, are abnormal growths or tumors that develop in the pituitary gland, a small, pea-sized endocrine gland located at the base of the brain.
The pituitary gland is responsible for producing and releasing various hormones that regulate crucial bodily functions, such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
Pituitary adenomas can be classified into two main types:
Functioning adenomas: These tumors secrete excess amounts of one or more pituitary hormones, leading to specific hormonal imbalances
Non-functioning adenomas: These tumors do not secrete excess hormones, but they can still cause problems due to their size and location
Functioning pituitary adenomas can result in the overproduction of hormones, such as growth hormone, prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), or thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Non-functioning pituitary adenomas may lead to a deficiency of one or more pituitary hormones
What Are the Causes of Pituitary Adenomas?
Pituitary adenomas are primarily caused by genetic mutations, such as those in the MEN1, CDKN1B, AIP, PRKAR1A, and GNAS genes. These genetic alterations may be inherited or occur sporadically. Epigenetic changes, including aberrant DNA methylation and histone modifications, also contribute to their development. Environmental factors, such as exposure to radiation and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, may play a role. Additionally, disruptions in cell cycle regulation, growth factor signaling, and apoptosis are critical in the pathogenesis of these tumors.
Symptoms may include headaches, vision problems, hormonal imbalances, and pituitary apoplexy (sudden tumor hemorrhage or infarction). Symptoms can also arise from high or low levels of hormones in the body. Depending on the hormone involved, a wide spectrum of symptoms can occur.
Pituitary adenomas are typically diagnosed through a combination of:
Blood tests to measure pituitary and target gland hormone levels
Imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, to visualize the pituitary gland and any tumors
Visual field testing (depending on the size of the adenoma)
What Are the Treatments and Therapies for Pituitary Adenomas?
The treatment of pituitary adenomas may involve:
Medications to normalize hormone levels or reduce tumor size
Surgical removal of the tumor (transsphenoidal or craniotomy approach)
Radiation therapy, in some cases, to shrink or destroy the tumor
How Can Well by Messer Help You with Pituitary Adenomas?
In many cases, pituitary adenomas are small enough where surgery is not indicated and monitoring is the preferred method of treatment. At Well by Messer, our endocrinologists are highly skilled at conducting pituitary hormone testing and analyzing the results. In addition to blood testing, imaging with MRI is done to monitor the size and location of the adenoma. Our providers are comfortable with reading these images and comparing them to prior images. If there is growth of the adenoma and surgery might be a consideration, our physicians will arrange for a consultation with a surgeon.
Meet the Well by Messer (WBM) Team
Under the leadership of top endocrinologist in New York, Dr. Caroline Messer, our caring and talented team of board-certified endocrinologists, psychologists, nutritionists, and personal trainers will be dedicated to supporting your success and regaining your metabolic health at our metabolic centers in Manhattan.
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