Risks for pituitary gland cancer

Some things can affect your risk, or chance, of developing cancer. Certain behaviours, substances or conditions can increase or decrease the risk. Most cancers are the result of many risks. But sometimes cancer develops in people who don't have any risks.

Almost all pituitary gland tumours are pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNETs). PitNETs used to be called pituitary adenomas. Doctors thought that these tumours were non-cancerous (benign) because they grow slowly and don’t usually spread. But PitNETs are now considered cancerous because even slow-growing tumours may spread over time. Metastatic PitNETs (used to be called pituitary carcinoma) are extremely rare.

PitNETs are the most common type of pituitary gland cancer. Women are slightly more likely than men to develop PitNETs. We need more research and can't say at this time what the risk is for transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse people.

The following genetic conditions can increase your risk for pituitary gland cancer. If you have a genetic condition that increases your risk for pituitary gland cancer, you may need to visit your doctor more often. Talk to your doctor about your risk and if you need to have certain tests to check for pituitary gland cancer.

None of these risks can be changed. Until we learn more about these risks, there are no specific ways you can lower your risk for pituitary gland cancer.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN)

Carney complex

Familial isolated pituitary adenoma (FIPA)

McCune-Albright syndrome

Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) is an inherited condition that is associated with tumours in more than one endocrine gland and an increased risk of developing endocrine system cancers.

There are different types of MEN:

• MEN1 increases the risk of tumours in the pituitary, parathyroid and adrenal glands as well as the pancreas and ovaries.

• MEN4 may increase the risk of tumours in the pituitary gland.

Carney complex is an inherited condition that affects the skin and causes tumours in the heart, endocrine glands, skin and nerves. Signs include light brown spots on the face, lips, trunk (torso) and mucous membranes. Having Carney complex increases the risk of PitNETs.

Familial isolated pituitary adenoma (FIPA) is an inherited condition that causes PitNETs to develop. Only the pituitary gland is affected by this condition. FIPA is usually diagnosed if there is a history of PitNETs in family members at a young age and there are no symptoms or features of MEN1, MEN4 or Carney complex.

FIPA is caused by changes in the AIP gene. These changes can cause large PitNETs that make too much prolactin (prolactin-producing tumours) or too much growth hormone (growth hormone–producing tumours).

McCune-Albright syndrome is a very rare genetic condition that affects the bones, skin and endocrine system. Signs and symptoms affect one side of the body only and include abnormal growth of fibrous tissue (a type of connective tissue) in the bone or light brown spots on the skin.

Having McCune-Albright syndrome increases the risk of PitNETs.

McCune-Albright syndrome is caused by a change in the GNAS gene. This change is not passed from parents to their children. It happens by chance, usually early in life.

To make the decisions that are right for you, ask your doctor questions about risks. Learn how cancer can be prevented and what you can do to reduce your risk.