A pituitary adenoma is a tumor of the pituitary gland which is located under the brain but above the nasal cavities. These tumors are usually benign (non-cancerous) and slow growing. Symptoms may include headaches, trouble with vision, weight gain, or symptoms associated with hormone production including menstrual changes and sexual dysfunction. Blood tests to evaluate hormone levels as well as imaging is used to diagnose pituitary adenomas.
Treatment options may include medications to assist with hormonal changes, radiation, and/or surgical removal of the tumor. If surgery is performed, the tumor is accessed through the nasal cavity which means an Ear Nose Throat (ENT) doctor is involved.