Guide To The Types of Pituitary Tumors

Growth Hormone Tumors

A growth hormone-producing tumor is an abnormal growth in the pituitary gland that results in the production of high amounts of growth hormone. Growth hormone is a hormone that commands the liver to produce insulin-like growth factor 1, which plays a major role in numerous processes in the body, including metabolism, tissue growth, and bone growth. Most growth hormone tumors are noncancerous or benign, but in rare cases, they can progress into malignancy. Individuals who have growth hormone tumors tend to present with some unique symptoms, the most serious being high blood pressure, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Other symptoms of growth hormone tumors include voice deepening, an increase in spaces between the teeth as the jawbone grows larger, frequent kidney stones, abnormal foot growth, dramatic facial changes as the bones grow, increased sweating, headaches, abnormal skull growth, and abnormal hand growth.

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Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Tumors

An adrenocorticotropic hormone tumor, also called an ACTH-producing tumor, refers to an abnormal growth in the pituitary gland that causes the production of too much adrenocorticotropic hormone. These tumors originate in corticotropic cells, which are responsible for producing ACTH. This hormone commands the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, which is also known as the stress hormone. Cortisol helps the body cope with all types of stress. This cortisol release and its subsequent effects work great for when the body is under stress from an injury, infection, or recent surgery. However, numerous adverse effects arise when too much cortisol is in the body due to its production by an ACTH tumor, including unexplained weight gain, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, moodiness, insomnia, irregular periods, bone weakening, fractures, limb thinning, diabetes, easy bruising, and poor concentration. ACTH tumors are diagnosed through MRI scans of the patient's brain, urine tests, blood tests, and petrosal venous sampling.

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