Guide To The Causes And Complications Of Pituitary Tumors

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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