Pituitary Gland Tumors

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Jul 8, 2019 | Margaret Shepard | @Margaret_Marie

The pituitary gland is a hormone-producing gland at the base of the brain. Sometimes known as the "master gland," the pituitary gland produces and regulates hormones that help the body function. Pituitary tumors are abnormal growths that develop in your pituitary gland.

Some pituitary tumors result in too many of the hormones that regulate important functions of your body. Some pituitary tumors can cause your pituitary gland to produce lower levels of hormones. Most pituitary tumors are noncancerous (benign) growths that remain in your pituitary gland or surrounding tissues, and don't spread to other parts of your body. There are various options for treating pituitary tumors, including removing the tumor, controlling its growth and managing your hormone levels with medications. Your health care provider also may recommend a wait-and-see approach.

On this Mayo Clinic Radio program episode, Dr. William Young Jr., a Mayo Clinic endocrinologist, discusses pituitary tumors.