Signs and symptoms of pituitary gland cancer

Almost all pituitary gland cancers are pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNETs). The signs and symptoms of PitNETs vary depending on:

• if the tumour is pressing on nearby tissues, such as nerves or parts of the brain
• if the tumour is pressing on parts of the pituitary gland
• if the tumour is functioning (it makes too much of a certain hormone) or non-functioning (it doesn’t make any hormones)
• the type of tumour and which hormone it makes

Other health conditions can cause the same signs and symptoms as a PitNET. Talk to your doctor if you have any of the following signs or symptoms.

A PitNET that doesn’t make any hormones is called a non-functioning tumour. When a non-functioning tumour grows, it can press on nearby tissues and cause symptoms. A non-functioning tumour can also affect how well the pituitary gland works, which can cause lower than normal levels of hormones.

Signs and symptoms of non-functioning PitNETs include:

• vision problems, such as blurred vision or loss of side vision (peripheral vision)
• headaches
• dizziness
• numbness or pain in the face
• fainting (passing out)
• fatigue and feeling weak
• extreme thirst and the need to urinate very often (caused by arginine vasopressin deficiency, which is when a low level of the hormone vasopressin causes the body to make too much urine)

In adults, non-functioning tumours can also cause:

• loss of body or facial hair
• decreased interest in sex (libido)
• growth of breast tissue in men (called gynecomastia)
• changes to menstrual periods

When non-functioning tumours develop in children, they can affect growth and sexual development.

Most PitNETs make too much of a certain hormone. These tumours are called functioning tumours.

Prolactin-producing tumours can cause:

• osteoporosis
• menstrual periods to become lighter, less frequent or stop (called amenorrhea)
• trouble becoming pregnant or inability to become pregnant
• the breasts to make milk when you aren’t pregnant or haven’t given birth
• decreased interest in sex (libido)
• erectile dysfunction
• growth of breast tissue in men

Growth hormone–producing tumours can cause acromegaly in adults and gigantism in children. Acromegaly is the increased growth of the skull, jaw, hands and feet. Gigantism makes children grow very quickly and become very tall. Signs and symptoms of acromegaly and gigantism include:

• joint pain
• high blood sugar (glucose) levels
• increased sweating
• increased growth of body hair
• tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers
• deepening of the voice
• high blood pressure
• heart disease

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)–producing tumours cause too much cortisol in the body. This leads to a condition called Cushing disease. Signs and symptoms of Cushing disease include:

• weight gain in the face, neck and trunk of body, while the arms and legs stay thin
• a redness and swelling of the face
• muscle weakness
• increased hair growth on the face and body
• a buildup of fat on the back of the neck
• purple lines on the skin (stretch marks)
• high blood pressure
• high blood sugar (glucose) levels
• changes in mood and behaviour
• easy bruising
• anxiety, irritability and depression
• acne
• osteoporosis
• changes in menstrual periods

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)–producing tumours can cause an overactive thyroid (called hyperthyroidism). Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• anxiety
• feeling shaky
• sleep problems
• increased appetite
• weight loss
• sweating
• frequent bowel movements
• a rapid or irregular heartbeat

Gonadotropin-producing tumours make both follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Gonadotropin-producing tumours are often considered non-functioning. But they may grow large enough to press on the pituitary gland, which can cause lower or higher levels of sex hormones. When a gonadotropin-producing tumour develops in a child, it may cause early signs of puberty. In adults, the signs and symptoms include:

• decreased interest in sex (libido)
• changes to menstrual periods
• erectile dysfunction
• infertility