Pituitary Tumors

Symptoms

Pituitary tumors can cause many symptoms depending on whether the tumor is causing overproduction or underproduction of the hormone, and the tumor size and location.

Tumor signs and symptoms initially may be vague and come-and-go, thus making diagnosis difficult. Other diseases may also cause similar signs and symptoms.

Pituitary tumor signs and symptoms can include:

• Very tall stature
• Change in facial appearance due to growth of facial bones
• Wider spacing of the teeth (due to jawbone growth)
• Excess sweating
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Joint pains
• New onset diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar)
• High blood pressure
• Easy bruising
• New stretch marks on abdomen, thighs and armpits
• Rounding of the face
• Fat deposits around the back of the neck
• Muscle weakness and wasting
• Osteoporosis (weakening of bones, sometimes leading to fracture)
• Weight gain, particularly in the abdomen
• Rapid heart rate
• Heat intolerance
• Enlarged thyroid gland in the front of the neck
• Kidney stones or elevated calcium level