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pituitary gland disorders: acromegaly  hypopituitarism hyperprolactinaemia gigantism empty sella syndrome prolactinoma galactorrhea pituitary tumors |
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What're the risk factors for pituitary tumors?
Although pituitary tumors can occur at any age, most are found in older people. Pituitary tumors are more likely in women than in men. Different tumors have different risk factors. For example, unprotected exposure to strong sunlight is a risk factor for skin cancer and smoking is a risk factor for cancers of the mouth, throat, lungs, kidneys, bladder and several other organs. Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type I (MEN1) is a hereditary condition that has a very high risk of developing tumors of three glands -- the pituitary, parathyroid, and pancreas. It is inherited by about half of the children of each affected parent. |
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More information on pituitary tumors
What are pituitary tumors? - Pituitary tumors are abnormal growths in the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a small bean-shaped gland located at the base of your brain.
What types of pituitary tumors are there? - Pituitary tumor is classified as belonging to one of four main types, based on whether it overproduces pituitary hormones.
What causes pituitary tumors? - The cause of pituitary tumors is not known, but may be genetic. Some genes contain instructions for controlling when our cells grow and divide.
What're the risk factors for pituitary tumors? - Pituitary tumors are more likely in women than in men. Different tumors have different risk factors. Unprotected exposure to strong sunlight is a risk factor for skin cancer.
What are the symptoms of pituitary tumors? - Pituitary tumors that produce hormones are called functioning tumors. The signs and symptoms of a functioning pituitary tumor result from excessive or insufficient hormone production.
How are pituitary tumors diagnosed? - Endocrinologic evaluation is absolutely necessary in determining the type of pituitary tumor and what the best treatment plan is for that given tumor.
What're the treatments for pituitary tumors? - Treatment of pituitary tumors requires the coordinated care of a neurosurgeon and neuroendocrinologist. Treatment is determined by the type of tumor. |
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