Guide To The Causes And Complications Of Pituitary Tumors

Carney Complex

An individual who has developed a pituitary tumor may also be affected by Carney complex, which is an inherited genetic condition that causes an individual to experience skin pigment issues, the development of myxomas, and endocrine system tumors. Tumors that develop in Carney complex patients may be malignant or benign. Carney complex is the result of a genetic mutation on the PRKAR1A gene inherited from the affected individual's parents in an autosomal dominant manner. In a small number of cases of Carney complex, the genetic mutation occurs spontaneously. The most common type of pituitary tumor that develops in individuals with Carney complex is called a growth hormone-producing pituitary adenoma. This type of tumor in the pituitary gland initially develops from the somatotropic cells or the cells in the pituitary gland responsible for producing growth hormone. This type of pituitary tumor causes the excessive production of IGF1 from the liver and can lead to acromegaly and gigantism.

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Family History

An individual with a pituitary tumor may also have a family history of pituitary tumor development. The pituitary tumorigenesis in an individual can be the result of a number of abnormalities in the production of G-proteins. These abnormalities can run in families and have best been identified as ras-gene mutations, and any deletions, rearrangements, or mutations of the p53 gene. Along with the MEN1 gene abnormalities that cause an individual to have multiple endocrine neoplasias, some abnormalities can be passed from parent to child in the MEN4 gene that can cause an increased risk of developing a pituitary tumor. Another major running familial mutation identified as positively correlated with the development of pituitary tumors are those that occur in the AIP gene. In addition, a link has been found between patients who develop tumors in their pituitary gland and a maternal history of breast cancer. An individual who has a familial history of gigantism and or acromegaly is more likely to develop a tumor in the pituitary gland even if the pathophysiology of the direct family member's pituitary disorder is unknown.

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