Pituitary Tumor: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Pituitary Tumor?
An endocrinologist, a doctor who treats hormone problems, usually leads care for a pituitary tumor. A neurosurgeon, a surgeon who operates on the brain and nearby areas, may remove it. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is a pituitary tumor?
A pituitary tumor is an abnormal growth in the pituitary gland. The pituitary is a small gland at the base of the brain. It makes hormones, which are chemical messengers that affect the way many parts of the body work.
Most pituitary tumors are noncancerous (benign).
Tumors that make extra hormones are called functioning tumors. Doctors call tumors that do not make extra hormones nonfunctioning tumors.
Symptoms
Some pituitary tumors make too much of one or more hormones. Possible results include:
- Cushing syndrome, which means a higher than normal level of the hormone cortisol.
- Acromegaly in adults, which means a higher than normal level of growth hormone.
- Gigantism in children, which means abnormal growth from too much growth hormone.
- Nipple discharge and irregular or absent periods in women, from too much prolactin.
- Lower sexual function in men, from too much prolactin.
With acromegaly, the bones of the hands, feet, head, and face grow larger than normal.
A larger tumor can press on nearby parts of the brain. This can cause:
- Vision changes, such as double vision, loss of side vision, drooping eyelids, or changes in color vision.
- Headache.
- Lack of energy.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Clear, salty fluid draining from the nose.
- Problems with the sense of smell.
Causes and who gets it
The causes of pituitary tumors are unknown. Some tumors are caused by inherited disorders such as multiple endocrine neoplasia I (MEN I).
Certain genetic conditions raise the risk. They include MEN1 syndrome, Carney complex, and isolated familial acromegaly. Tumors can also develop in people who have no known risk factors.
Up to 10% to 20% of people have a pituitary tumor.
How doctors diagnose it
Your provider will do a physical exam. The provider will check for double vision and for loss of side vision.
Tests that check hormone levels may be ordered. Examples include cortisol levels, prolactin levels, and thyroid hormone levels.
Tests that help confirm the diagnosis include visual field tests and an MRI of the head (a scan that takes detailed pictures of the brain).
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type of tumor. A prolactinoma is a tumor that makes too much prolactin, and it is the most common type. A doctor can prescribe medicines that bring the high prolactin level down. These medicines can restore regular periods and fertility in most patients.
For other tumors, surgery to remove the tumor is often needed. This is especially true if the tumor is pressing on the nerves that control vision.
Most of the time, the tumor can be removed through the nose and sinuses. If it cannot be removed that way, it is removed through the skull.
Radiation therapy may be used to shrink the tumor in people who cannot have surgery. It may also be used if the tumor returns after surgery. In some cases, other medicines are prescribed to shrink certain types of tumors.
Small tumors found by chance during an MRI can often be watched with repeat MRIs over time if they are not causing any hormone problem. Many of these tumors do not grow.
The tumor or its removal may cause lifelong hormone imbalances. The affected hormones may need to be replaced, and you may need to take medicine for the rest of your life. Tumors that have been removed can return, so keep seeing a provider after treatment.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you develop any symptoms of a pituitary tumor. A large tumor can press on the nerves to the eyes, harm vision, and even cause blindness.
In rare cases, symptoms of a larger tumor, such as vision changes and headache, start suddenly and can be severe. Doctors call this pituitary apoplexy.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have a sudden change in vision, sudden severe pain, or confusion or trouble waking up.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can review your symptoms and order first blood tests. They can also help you reach an endocrinologist and a neurosurgeon and keep up with follow-up care.
Common questions
Is a pituitary tumor cancer?
Usually not, because most pituitary tumors are noncancerous (benign). Very few pituitary tumors are malignant, which means cancer. Pituitary tumors usually do not spread to other parts of the body.
What does the pituitary gland do?
The pituitary gland makes hormones that affect the way many parts of the body work. It also controls hormones made by many other glands in the body.
Can a pituitary tumor cause vision loss?
Yes, a large tumor can. Large tumors can also press on the brain or on the vessels that bring blood to the brain.
Can a pituitary tumor come back after treatment?
Yes, it is possible for a tumor that was removed to return. Because of this, you should keep seeing a provider after treatment.
Will I need hormone medicine after treatment?
Sometimes, because the tumor or its removal may cause lifelong hormone imbalances. The affected hormones may need to be replaced.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Pituitary tumor
- National Cancer Institute - What Are Pituitary Tumors?
- NICHD - Other Pituitary Tumors FAQs
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
