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Pituitary Adenoma Researched by April Seybold Basic Description A Pituitary Adenoma is a tumor that is formed in the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is located at the base of the skull inside the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone and is connected to the hypothalamus. The gland is beneath the optic chiasm, where the retinal fibers cross. Pituitary tumors sometimes secrete hormones, and are rarely cancerous. Pituitary Tumors can cause mechanical or hormonal problems. Parts of Visual System Affected As the tumor grows, it may put pressure on the optic nerve and optic chiasm. Effects on the Visual System This pressure may cause vision loss. Specifically, there may be some visual field loss in the periphery causing “tunnel vision”. Common Treatments and Medications Physicians my use one or more of these treatment options based on the severity of the tumor and whether or not it is secreting a hormone. Often, surgery is done to remove the tumor. Transphenoidal surgery in which the tumor is removed through the nose is most common, but a craniotomy can also be performed. Radiation therapy may be done to kill the tumor. Certain medications may actually be able to shrink the tumor if it is secreting a certain hormone. These medicines include Bromocriptine and Dostinex. Also, hormone replacement therapy is often necessary. Causes and Outlook Pituitary Adenoma is caused by abnormal cells in DNA. Although the tumor can be progressive, it can be stabilized with proper treatment. Anticipated Functional Implications If the Pituitary Adenoma is treated promptly and properly, the vision loss can be stabilized and even improve. However, in some cases there can be degeneration of the optic nerve, which may lead to blindness. References 1. Ali Nawaz Khan. What Are Pituitary Tumors? (2009) Retrieved July 2, 2009. from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/343207-overview= 2. Handbook for Ocular Disease Management. Joseph W. Sowka, Andrew S. Gurwood and Alan G. Kabat.(2001) Retrieved July 2, 2009, from http://www.revoptom.com/handbook/SECT54a.HTM 3. Krista McCoy, MS. Pituitary Adenoma. (2004) Retrieved July 2, 2009, from http://www.mbmc.org/healthgate/GetHGContent.aspx?token=9c315661-83b7-472da7ab-bc8582171f86&chunkiid=96789 4. Pituitary Adenoma. Margaret Grunnet M.D. (1990) Retrieved July 2, 2009, from http://pathweb.uchc.edu/eAtlas/CNS/243.htm 5. Dictionary of Eye Terminology 5th Edition. Barbara Cassin and Melin L. Rubin, Editor. 2006. Gainesville, Fl, pg 210.
