Transcript Pituitary Tumors

Pituitary Tumors
By Nick Leth and
Rose Richter
Did you know??
• Robert Wadlow was
the tallest recorded
man on earth at a
height of 8 ft 11 in.
• His astounding
height was the
result of a pituitary
tumor
Genes
• Pituitary Tumor-Transforming Gene (PTTG)
• Plays an important role in the cell cycle by helping
sister chromatids to separate during anaphase
• A very large amount of PTTG causes aneuploidy
Anatomy
• Located immediately
under the hypothalamus
• Rests on the Pituitary
fossa (sella turcica)
• Comprised of two lobes;
anterior
(adenohypohpysis) and
posterior
(neurohypophysis)
• The lobes are
separated by an
intermediate lobe
Function
• This organ is part of the endocrine system
• Once thought of as the “master gland” the
pituitary gland is actually controlled by the
hypothalamus
• Sends many
hormones to
glands
throughout the
body
Symptoms
•
•
•
•
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Headaches
Vision Problems
Visual Disturbances
Nausea
Vomiting
Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose pituitary tumors in a number of ways.
1. Blood Tests
•
Blood tests are performed to test the blood for numerous
substances and properties.
2. Brain CAT scan
•
CAT scans combines x-ray equipment with computers to
take multiple pictures of the inside of the body. These
pictures can be used to help doctors diagnose the patients.
3. Brain MRI
•
The MRI is a procedure that uses a powerful magnet
and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body's
organs, without using X-rays or other radiation.
4. Vision Tests
Stages
There is no standard “staging system” for
pituitary tumors. Once the tumor is found,
tests are performed to see if the tumor has
spread throughout the body. The size of
pituitary tumors can range anywhere from the
size of a pea to the size of a lime.
Epidemiology and Prevalence
• 10%- 15% of all brain tumors are pituitary
tumors; 20% in African Americans
• 25% have undiagnosed tumors
• Women are generally diagnosed at ages 3040 and men at ages 40-50
• Much more common in women
Complications
• Cushing’s Disease- excess amounts of the
hormone cortisol
• Acromegaly-excess of growth hormone
• Gigantism and Dwarfism
• Delayed menarche- Late start of menstruation
• Hypothyroidism- The thyroid secretes less
than normal amounts of thyroid hormone
• Diabetes insipidus- Different from diabetes
mellitus
Prevention
1.
2.
3.
There are no known ways to prevent pituitary cancer, but
there are ways to lower your chances of getting any kind
of cancer, and to kill it early if you do get cancer. Such
methods include:
Know your family’s health history, and take note of any
signs that could be a sign of cancer.
Eat well, and stay active.
Avoid extensive exposure to harmful substances such as
chemicals and even the sun.
Treatment
The method of treatment depends on the type and size
of the tumor
• Observation and medication
• Surgery
– Transphenoidal endoscopic tumor removal
– Transcranial tumor removal
• Radiation Treatment
– Stereotactic radiosurgery
– External-beam radiation
• Hormone Therapy
Awareness
Organizations devoted to cancer awareness:
• The American Cancer Society
• The Pituitary Network Association
Fund raisers devoted to cancer awareness:
• Path to Progress
• Ellie Savage Memorial Trust
Celebrity Spokespeople:
• Katie Couric
• Lance Armstrong
• Stefanie Speilman
Sources
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Sources Continued
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Human Endocrine System. Biology The Web of Life. Ed. Scott Foresman
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