Is the pituitary part of the brain?

Is the pituitary part of the brain?

The pituitary gland is no larger than a pea, and is located at the base of the brain. The gland is attached to the hypothalamus (a part of the brain that affects the pituitary gland) by nerve fibers and blood vessels. The pituitary gland itself consists of 2 major structures: Anterior lobe.

What does the pituitary gland do in the brain?

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.

How serious is a pituitary tumor?

Pituitary cancer is very rare. Still, the tumors can cause serious problems, either because of their size (large tumors) or because they make extra hormones your body doesn’t need (functioning tumors). They’re typically treated with surgery, medicine, or radiation.

What are the symptoms of a pituitary gland tumor?

Depending on which hormones are affected, symptoms might include:

• Nausea.
• Weakness.
• Unexplained weight loss or weight gain.
• Loss of body hair.
• Feeling cold.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Menstrual changes or loss of menstrual periods in women.
• Erectile dysfunction (trouble with erections) in men.

What is the most common pituitary tumor?

Below are the main types of pituitary tumors.

• Nonfunctional adenomas (null cell adenomas) These tumors are the most common type.
• Prolactin-producing tumors (prolactinomas) These benign tumors are also common.
• ACTH-producing tumors.
• Growth hormone-producing tumors.

Can you fly with a pituitary tumor?

No patient with completely asymptomatic tumors developed new symptoms during flight. Conclusions: Most patients with brain and skull base tumors can travel safely via commercial airflight with acceptable symptom exacerbation.

Is pituitary adenoma life threatening?

It is always important to keep in mind that even large pituitary adenomas are not cancer, but if left untreated, it can cause serious illness because of its effects on the normal pituitary gland, optic nerves, and brain.

Do pituitary tumors need to be removed?

Surgical removal of a pituitary tumor usually is necessary if the tumor is pressing on the optic nerves or if the tumor is overproducing certain hormones. The success of surgery depends on the tumor type, its location, its size and whether the tumor has invaded surrounding tissues.