Non-functioning Tumors

A nonfunctioning adenoma is a tumor that does not overproduce hormones, but causes problems because of its size and location in the pituitary. A nonfunctioning adenoma may cause headaches and vision problems. This type of tumor also may cause hyposecretion (not enough hormone production). These tumors often are found when doctors obtain an MRI after a head injury or another reason.

Symptoms of nonfunctioning adenomas fall into two categories:

Tumor mass effects :

• Visual field disturbances, most commonly loss of peripheral vision (at the edges of your vision range)
• Headaches
• Abnormal control of eye movements

Hyposecretion effects :

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Fatigue
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Infertility
• Reduced sex drive
• Impotence (failure to get or maintain an erection)
• Inadequate function of the ovaries or testes
• Frequent urination during night
• Joint pains
• Dizziness
• Low blood pressure

Treatment for a nonfunctioning adenoma :

The first therapy your doctor probably will employ is transsphenoidal microsurgery, especially if your vision is disturbed or you have compressed nerves around your brain, inside of your skull. After surgery, visual field problems improve in the majority of patients.

Hormone replacement may be necessary to restore normal hormone levels. If you have significant tumor remaining or the tumor regrows, you may need more surgery and/or radiation therapy.

Craniopharyngiomas and Rathke's cleft cysts are tumors or lesions that are noncancerous growths that may be mistaken for a pituitary tumor on an MRI scan and can interfere with normal pituitary activities. They are common during childhood, but can grow and cause problems in adults. ( NOTE: Cysts are not tumors)

Symptoms of Craniopharyngiomas and Rathke's cleft cysts are similar:

• Growth failure in children
• Delayed puberty in children
• Reduced or loss of sex drive
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Obesity
• Headaches
• Menstrual irregularities/loss of menstrual cycle
• Milk discharge from breasts not related to childbirth
• Body temperature regulation problems
• Fatigue
• Increased drowsiness
• Dry skin
• Low blood pressure
• Visual disturbances
• Confusion
• Personality changes

Treatment for Craniopharyngiomas and Rathke's cleft cysts

The primary treatment is surgery. The goal is to completely remove the tumor or cyst and preserve normal pituitary, brain, and visual function. If the mass located in the area of the pituitary, the surgery probably will be through your nasal sinuses (transsphenoidal). If the tumor is found above your pituitary, your surgeon may have to go in through the skull. If the tumor can't be completely removed, radiation treatment may be recommended.