There are several different types of Pituitary Tumors and Disorders.   I had a Craniopharyngioma.  Most of the information found on this page is about the Craniopharyngioma.  Although, I do  have some information about and links to other information on the other Pituitary Tumors and Disorders.

A Craniopharyngioma is one of several tumors that can be found on your pituitary gland. They are typically cystic and solid in structure. They occur most commonly in childhood and adolescence and in later adult life after age 50 years. They account for 2-4% of primary brain tumors.

THE CRANIOPHARYNGIOMA

The Craniopharyngioma is usually not found until they are pretty big, usually found because they are pressing on important structures around them (in my case it was press, actually stretching, my optic nerves apart. They are mostly benign (not cancerous) tumors.

Symptoms
Symptoms can very depending upon the tumor’s location. If it compresses the pituitary stalk or involves the area of the pituitary gland itself, the tumor can cause either partial or complete pituitary hormone deficiency (this was my symptom). This frequently results in one or more of the following: growth failure, delayed puberty, loss of normal menstrual function or sexual desire, increased sensitivity to cold, fatigue, constipation, dry skin, nausea, low blood pressure, and depression.

If the Craniopharyngioma involves the optic tracts, chiasm, or nerves, then visual disturbances can result.

Involvement of the hypothalamus, an area at the base of the brain, may result in obesity, increased drowsiness, temperature regulation abnormalities, and diabetes insipidus (DI).

Other common symptoms include personality changes, headache, confusion, and vomiting.

Diagnosis
The best means of visualizing a Craniopharyngioma is with a MRI or CT scan of the pituitary region performed with and without contrast

OTHER TYPES OF PITUITARY TUMORS AND DISORDERS

PROLACTINOMA

The most common type of pituitary tumor is the prolactin-secreting prolactinoma. These account for nearly 30% of all pituitary tumors. Lactation is the primary symptom of this tumor. Lactation can occur in other types of tumors as well.

ACROMEGALY

Growth hormone-secreting tumors, seen in about 10-15% of patients, are associated with acromegaly, a clinical syndrome that involves a thickening of the bones of the hands, feet, cheeks, and jaw.

CUSHING'S

Another 10-15% of pituitary adenomas are accounted for by ACTH-secreting tumors, which are often the cause of Cushing's disease.

MORE INFORMATION WILL BE ADDED IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

If you have any further questions about the Craniopharyngioma, or any other Pituitary Tumor/Disorder, please feel free to contact me at: duggan@dugganfoster.com

This page was created and designed by
Duggan Foster,

Copyright © 1996 Duggan Foster

Created on 4-1-96 Most recent revision, 4/25/04

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