Types of Pituitary Adenomas
There are several types of pituitary adenomas. A pituitary adenoma is classified based on its size:
Most pituitary adenomas are microadenomas.
A pituitary adenoma is also classified based on whether it produces hormones or not. A pituitary adenoma that makes one or more of the pituitary hormones is called a functioning pituitary adenoma. A pituitary adenoma that does not make hormones is called a nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma. Each type of functioning pituitary adenoma causes different symptoms, depending on the type of hormone that is being made by the adenoma. Examples of functioning pituitary adenomas include:
- Prolactin-producing adenomas (which account for about 43 percent of all pituitary adenomas)
- Growth hormone-producing adenomas (which make up about 17 percent of all pituitary adenomas)
- ACTH-producing adenomas (which account for approximately 7 percent of all pituitary adenomas)
- Thyroid hormone-producing adenomas (which make up about 3 percent of all pituitary adenomas).
Nonfunctioning adenomas make up the remaining 30 percent of all pituitary adenomas.
Symptoms of Pituitary Adenomas
Symptoms of a pituitary adenoma can range from simple, common complaints (such as tiredness or restlessness) to more serious symptoms (such as
headaches, vomiting, or dizziness).
Pituitary adenoma symptoms vary, depending on the size and location of the adenoma. If the adenoma grows large and presses on nearby parts of the brain, pituitary adenoma symptoms such as headaches or dizziness can occur. A pituitary adenoma can press on the optic nerve as well, causing problems with vision.
Pituitary adenoma symptoms also vary based on the hormones the tumor is producing.
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