Pituitary Macroadenoma
Reading time:
1 minutes
Medically reviewed:
Maja Seithe
Content
A pituitary macroadenoma is a benign tumor of the pituitary gland (hypophysis) that is larger than 10 mm. Unlike smaller microadenomas, a macroadenoma can grow and press on surrounding structures such as the optic nerve or the brain, potentially causing symptoms. Possible symptoms include headaches, vision problems, and hormonal imbalances, which, depending on the type of hormone involved, can lead to conditions such as acromegaly, Cushing’s syndrome, or prolactinoma. At the same time, the macroadenoma can impair the normal hormone production of the pituitary gland, leading to fatigue, loss of libido, or hypothyroidism. Diagnosis is typically made through MRI scans and hormone analysis. Treatment depends on the tumor’s size, growth, and hormone production and may involve medication, surgery, or radiation therapy.
