| Pituitary
adenomas are tumors which arise from the pituitary gland. They
may produce hormones, but often don't. When they produce hormones,
patients may present with endocrinological abnormalities. When then
don't produce hormones, the may present with the mass effect of the
tumor. The tumor may push on the optic nerves, and cause visual
deficits.
Typical hormones produced by pituitary
tumors are
- prolactin: most common type
of secreting adenoma, and may cause amenorrhea (lack of menstruation)
and galactorrhea (lactation, discharge from the breasts)
in women, and impotence in men.
- adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH):
this is Cushings disease
- growth hormone: causes acromegaly
in adults
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Glossary 
