What are the symptoms of the various types of pituitary tumors?
This depends on the type of tumor and the size of the tumor. A large tumor may cause loss of vision, particularly peripheral vision, if it compresses the optic chiasm (where the optic [eye] nerves converge). Headache may also occur; the type of headache varies from patient to patient. Headache may occur with a large or a small tumor. A tumor may interfere with normal pituitary function causing hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone level), adrenal insufficiency (low cortisol level), hypogonadism (loss of sexual function in men, loss of menstrual periods or infertility in women). Occasionally a pituitary tumor causes diabetes insipidus, which results in frequent urination and excessive thirst. Diabetes insipidus is not high blood sugar levels; it is a problem with the ability of the kidney to retain fluid because of a deficiency of the pituitary hormone, vasopressin (also called antidieuretic hormone). Specific types of tumors cause various symptoms and changes in body function. Prolactino
