This little gland could be likened to the pentium processor of current desktop computer systems.  The pituitary gland is employed by the neuroendocrine system to regulate the function of many organs including the kidneys, uterus and breasts and it supports and regulates the function of other organs that secret hormones such as the thyroid and adrenal glands, ovaries and testicles.  The pituitary gland affects the growth and development of our bodies as it maintains and regulates metabolism and it plays a vital role in reproduction. 

  Tomes have been written about the pituitary and its physiology.  Perhaps even more has been written about the conditions produced by disorders of the pituitary.  In fact, there are few subjects in medicine as the pituitary and its disorders that overlap upon the fields of so many specialists.  Space simply does not permit even a summary discussion of the conditions that may arise from abnormal pituitary function.  I will limit this to pituitary tumors that usually arise from the pituitary gland.  Most pituitary tumors are benign (non-cancerous), generally grow very slowly and do not spread to other parts of the body.  They usually become apparent due either to a hormonal disturbance or due to the pressure they produce upon other parts of the nervous system, namely the optic nerves.  If the optic nerves become compressed by a pituitary tumor this may cause poor or absent peripheral vision.  Pituitary tumors may be the cause of menstrual disorders, decreased libido (interest or desire in sex), headache, vision impairment, growth failure, fatigue and even excessive thirst and frequent urination.  Certain types of tumors may cause infertility, osteoporosis, gigantism, dwarfism, impotence, marked changes in ring or shoe size, enlargement of the hands, feet, facial features and enlargement of the tongue.  Other tumors may cause fat buildup in the face, back and chest resulting in weight gain while the arms and legs become relatively thin.  Some patients with pituitary tumors develop mood swings or excessive hair growth, severe stretch marks and even irregular or rapid heart rate.  If your doctor suspects a pituitary tumor, blood tests are necessary to determine how the tumor has affected the neuroendocrine system.  Usually a MRI of the brain is done to judge the size and characteristics of the tumor.

 Treatments for pituitary tumors depend upon the type and size of the tumor as well as the patient’s age and overall health.  Generally these tumors are treated by medication therapy, radiation therapy or surgery.  Many tumors can be treated with medications alone but some require one or more of the other types of treatment.  Remember, tumors of the pituitary gland are almost invariably benign and are usually curable.