Connect
Description
In this Video Q&A Dr. Curtiss Cook, Dr. Bernard Bendok, and Dr. Alyx Porter discuss pituitary gland tumors.
Learn more about:
- Normal function of pituitary gland
- Types of pituitary tumors
- Symptoms of a pituitary tumor
- Treatment of pituitary tumor
Note: The sound issues are corrected after 2 minutes.
Like
Helpful
Hug
Connect
Hi Kari,
You can replay the video. It is posted at the top of this page. Unfortunately, they didn't get to all the questions during the webinar. We will post answers to your questions here in the discussion thread 🙂
Hi,
Thank you for tuning in.
According to MayoClinic.org:
A small percentage of pituitary tumor cases runs in families, but most have no apparent hereditary factor. Still, scientists suspect that genetic alterations play an important role in how pituitary tumors develop. People with a family history of certain hereditary conditions, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia, type I (MEN I), have an increased risk of pituitary tumors. In MEN I, multiple tumors occur in various glands of the endocrine system. Genetic testing is available for this disorder.
You can learn more here: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pituitary-tumors/symptoms-causes/dxc-20157631
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHello,
Thanks for the great questions. According to MayoClinic.org:
The cause of uncontrolled cell growth in the pituitary gland, which creates a tumor, remains unknown. The pituitary gland is a small, bean-shaped gland situated at the base of your brain, somewhat behind your nose and between your ears. Despite its small size, the gland influences nearly every part of your body. The hormones it produces help regulate important functions, such as growth, blood pressure and reproduction.
You can learn more here: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pituitary-tumors/symptoms-causes/dxc-20157631
Hi,
Thank you so much for tuning in. We cannot provide medical advice here but would encourage you to speak with your doctor if you have concerns about your iron levels.
Hi Kari,
It is very unlikely that non-functional pituitary adenomas would become functional years later. Regarding the frequency of labs and MRI, this depends on the scenario and the recommendations may change over time. This should be decided in consultation with an endocrinologist. Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much for your reply! That question has been on my mind for years and I would always forget to ask my neurologist. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. This webinar has been very helpful and has put my mind at ease.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHello @toffenbacher, I am intrigued by this topic as this seems to be a type of endocrine tumor - am I right in this assumption? This leads me to my next thought. I've had multiple neuroendocrine tumors (carcinoids) in the duodenal bulb (2003, 2005 and 2016). I've often wondered if the primary site of this tumor is really the duodenal bulb or elsewhere. Has there ever been any studies related to NETs and pituitary tumors? My endocrinologist has suggested the possibility of MEN1 which makes all of this sound familiar. I have several, but not all, of the symptoms. I also have hyperparathyroidism, osteopenia, and several other odd /rate disorders. Any comments on these thoughts?
Hi Teresa, I'm going to jump in and bring @jamimen1 into this conversation. Jami was diagnosed with MEN1 about a year ago and may be able to shed some light. You might also be interested in connecting with @jmbjar about hyperparathyroidism.
Did you ever investigate the possibility of MEN1?
@colleenyoung My endocrinologist and other doctors have mentioned it in passing, but I get the impression that I might not have all of the symptoms (or disorders needed) to look further into that. Thanks for letting me know about others with this situation, after the holidays I'll check with them.