Pituitary adenoma

A pituitary adenoma is a usually benign tumor arising from hormone-producing cells of the pituitary gland. It may secrete excess hormones or cause problems by compressing nearby structures.

Prolactinoma: A pituitary adenoma that secretes excess prolactin. It is the most common functioning pituitary adenoma and can disrupt reproductive function.
Pituitary gland: An endocrine gland at the base of the brain that regulates growth, reproduction, metabolism, and other glands. Adenomas arise within this gland and can alter its hormone output.
Pituitary MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging focused on the pituitary region to assess gland structure and lesions. It locates adenomas and measures their size and relationship to nearby structures.
Nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma: A pituitary adenoma that does not cause a clinically significant excess of a pituitary hormone. It contrasts with hormone-secreting adenomas and often presents through mass effects.
Acromegaly: A disorder caused by excess growth hormone in adulthood, producing enlargement of bones and soft tissues. Growth-hormone-secreting adenomas are its usual cause.
Anterior pituitary: The front portion of the pituitary gland, which produces several hormones under hypothalamic control. Most pituitary adenomas arise from its hormone-producing cells.
Prolactin blood test: A blood test that measures the concentration of prolactin. It helps identify prolactinomas and interpret hormone-related symptoms.
Pituitary carcinoma: A rare malignant pituitary tumor defined by metastasis to sites outside the pituitary region. Unlike the usually benign adenoma, carcinoma spreads beyond the pituitary.
Cushing disease: A disorder caused by an ACTH-secreting pituitary tumor, leading to excess cortisol production by the adrenal glands. It is the characteristic consequence of a corticotroph adenoma.
Hypothalamus: A brain region that regulates bodily functions and controls pituitary activity through neural and hormonal signals. Its regulatory signals influence hormone-producing pituitary cells.

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