Pituitary Tumours: Symptoms, Types & Treatment Canada

Pituitary tumours are abnormal growths that develop in the pituitary gland, a small pea-sized organ located deep at the base of the brain. While the majority of these tumours are non-cancerous (benign), they can still cause significant health problems by disrupting hormone levels throughout the body. In Canada, thousands of people are diagnosed with this condition each year, and effective treatment is available through the public health system.

Understanding Pituitary Tumours: Types, Causes, and Classification

Understanding pituitary gland tumour symptoms early is essential for timely diagnosis and better outcomes. The pituitary gland is often called the “master gland” because it controls many other hormone-producing glands, regulating everything from growth and metabolism to reproduction and stress response. When a tumour develops in this critical gland, it can throw the body’s entire hormonal balance off course. This article explains the different types of pituitary tumours, the warning signs Canadians should watch for, and the treatment options available across Canada’s healthcare system.

What Is the Pituitary Gland?

Types of Pituitary Tumours: Characteristics and Management Approaches

Type of Pituitary Tumour	Key Characteristics	Common Symptoms	Primary Management
Prolactinoma	Most common type; secretes excess prolactin; more frequent in women aged 20–50	Irregular periods, breast milk production (women); reduced libido, erectile dysfunction (men)	Dopamine agonist medications (cabergoline, bromocriptine); surgery if medication fails
Corticotroph Tumour (ACTH-secreting)	Causes Cushing’s disease; overproduces adrenocorticotropic hormone; often small at diagnosis	Weight gain (especially abdomen/face), easy bruising, stretch marks, high blood pressure	Transsphenoidal surgery as first-line; radiation or medication (pasireotide) if needed
Somatotroph Tumour (GH-secreting)	Causes acromegaly in adults or gigantism in children; often large at diagnosis	Enlarged hands and feet, facial changes, joint pain, excessive sweating, sleep apnea	Surgery, followed by somatostatin analogues (octreotide, lanreotide) or radiation therapy
Non-functioning Adenoma	Does not secrete active hormones; second most common type; often discovered incidentally	Headaches, vision problems (bitemporal hemianopia), hormone deficiencies due to compression	Surgical removal via transsphenoidal approach; monitoring with MRI for smaller tumours
Thyrotroph Tumour (TSH-secreting)	Rarest functioning type; causes hyperthyroidism secondary to excess TSH production	Rapid heartbeat, weight loss, heat intolerance, tremor, goitre	Surgery and/or radiation; somatostatin analogues to reduce TSH secretion pre-operatively

The pituitary gland sits at the base of the brain, just behind the nose. It is often called the “master gland” because it controls the activity of many other hormone-producing glands in the body. It works closely with the hypothalamus to regulate hormones that affect growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress response.

When a tumour develops in this gland, it can disrupt the normal balance of hormones in the body. As a result, a wide range of symptoms can appear, depending on which hormones are affected. For more background on how the endocrine system works, visit Health Canada’s health information resources.

Understanding Pituitary Tumours: Types and Classification

Doctors classify pituitary tumours in two main ways: by whether they produce hormones, and by whether they have come back after treatment.

Hormone-Producing (Functioning) Tumours

These tumours release one or more hormones into the bloodstream. Unlike normal gland tissue, they do not respond to the body’s natural signals to stop producing hormones. This overproduction is often what causes symptoms and leads to a diagnosis.

The most common types of functioning pituitary tumours include:

• ACTH-secreting tumours: These produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which tells the adrenal glands to release stress hormones called glucocorticoids. Too much ACTH leads to Cushing’s disease.
• Prolactin-secreting tumours (prolactinomas): These are the most common type of pituitary tumour. They produce prolactin, the hormone responsible for breast milk production. In women who are not pregnant, they can cause breast milk discharge and missed periods (amenorrhea). In men, they can cause erectile dysfunction.
• Growth hormone-secreting tumours: These produce excess growth hormone (GH). In adults, this leads to a condition called acromegaly. In children and teenagers whose bones are still growing, it can cause gigantism, where the entire body grows unusually large.

Non-Functioning Tumours

Some pituitary tumours do not produce hormones. These are called non-functioning or non-secreting tumours. They may grow silently for years before causing symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they are often caused by the tumour pressing on nearby structures in the brain, such as the optic nerves, leading to vision problems or headaches.

Recurrent Tumours

A recurrent pituitary tumour is one that comes back after treatment. It may return in the pituitary gland itself or, in rare cases, in another part of the body. Regular follow-up with your specialist is important to catch any recurrence early.

Pituitary Tumours and Related Conditions

Because pituitary tumours affect hormone levels, they are closely linked to several other medical conditions. Understanding these connections can help you recognise symptoms earlier.

Cushing’s Disease

Cushing’s disease happens when an ACTH-secreting tumour causes the body to produce too many glucocorticoid hormones, such as cortisol. This leads to a distinctive pattern of fat buildup on the face, back, and chest, while the arms and legs may become thinner and weaker.

Other symptoms of Cushing’s disease include:

• High blood sugar levels
• Muscle weakness
• Bone loss (osteopenia or osteoporosis)
• Redness or flushing of the face
• High blood pressure

Acromegaly

Acromegaly develops when a pituitary tumour releases too much growth hormone in adults. The most noticeable signs are enlargement of the hands, feet, and facial features. The changes tend to happen slowly, so many people do not notice them right away.

In younger people whose bones are still developing, excess growth hormone causes gigantism instead. This means the whole body grows much larger and taller than expected. According to the Mayo Clinic’s overview of acromegaly, early diagnosis significantly improves outcomes for this condition.

Prolactinoma Effects

A prolactinoma can affect both men and women. In women, the most common effects are milky breast discharge outside of pregnancy or breastfeeding, and irregular or absent menstrual cycles. In men, the condition often causes reduced sex drive and erectile dysfunction. These symptoms are frequently the first sign that something is wrong.

Symptoms of Pituitary Tumours

Symptoms vary widely depending on whether the tumour produces hormones and how large it has grown. However, some symptoms are common across different types of pituitary tumours.

General symptoms to watch for include:

• Headaches — often persistent and not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication
• Vision problems — particularly tunnel vision or loss of peripheral (side) vision
• Nausea and vomiting
• Unexplained fatigue
• Hormonal symptoms — such as irregular periods, unexpected weight gain, or abnormal growth patterns

These symptoms can also be caused by many other conditions. Therefore, it is important not to self-diagnose. Always speak with a healthcare provider if you notice any of these changes.

Diagnosis: How Are Pituitary Tumours Detected?

If your doctor suspects a pituitary tumour, they will likely start with blood and urine tests to check your hormone levels. Abnormal results can point toward a specific type of tumour and help guide further testing.

Imaging Tests

The most common imaging test used is an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan. An MRI uses magnetic waves, not radiation, to create detailed pictures of brain structures. It can show the size and location of a tumour clearly. In some cases, a CT (computed tomography) scan may also be used.

Assessing the Tumour

Once a tumour is found, your specialist will assess how invasive it is, which hormones it produces (if any), and how it is affecting nearby structures. This information helps determine the best course of treatment. Your recovery outlook depends on the type of tumour, your age, and your overall health.

Treatment Options for Pituitary Tumours

The good news is that effective treatments exist for all types of pituitary tumours. In Canada, these treatments are typically covered through provincial health plans, and your specialist team will work with you to find the best approach. There are three main treatment options.

Surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment for pituitary tumours. The most widely used procedure is called transsphenoidal surgery. The surgeon accesses the pituitary gland through a small incision inside the nose or under the upper lip, avoiding the need to open the skull. This approach reduces recovery time and risk.

In some cases, a traditional craniotomy (opening of the skull) may be required if the tumour is very large or has grown into surrounding tissue.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to destroy tumour cells. It is often used after surgery if some tumour tissue remains, or for tumours that cannot be removed surgically. Modern techniques, such as stereotactic radiosurgery (sometimes called Gamma Knife), allow doctors to target tumours very precisely while protecting surrounding brain tissue.

Medication

For some types of pituitary tumours, medication is the first-line treatment. For example, prolactinomas often respond very well to drugs called dopamine agonists, which reduce prolactin levels and can shrink the tumour. Medications are also available to control the effects of excess growth hormone or cortisol while other treatments take effect.

Your endocrinologist and neurosurgeon will discuss which combination of treatments is right for your specific situation. Learn more about treatment approaches from the Healthline guide to pituitary tumour treatments.

When to See a Doctor

You should speak with a healthcare provider if you experience persistent headaches, changes in your vision, unexplained hormonal symptoms, or any of the signs listed above. Do not wait to see if symptoms go away on their own.

In Canada, you have several options for getting care. Start by booking an appointment with your family doctor, who can order initial blood tests and refer you to a specialist such as an endocrinologist or neurosurgeon. If you do not have a family doctor, a walk-in clinic can provide an initial assessment and arrange referrals. In urgent cases — for example, if you have sudden severe headache or rapidly worsening vision — go to your nearest emergency department right away.

Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes. Most pituitary tumours respond well to treatment when caught at an early stage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pituitary Tumours

Key Takeaways

• Pituitary tumours are abnormal growths in the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain.
• Most pituitary tumours are benign (non-cancerous), but they can disrupt hormone production and cause significant health problems.
• Tumours are classified as functioning (hormone-producing) or non-functioning, and by specific hormone type (ACTH, prolactin, or growth hormone).
• Related conditions include Cushing’s disease, acromegaly, gigantism, and prolactinoma.
• Common symptoms include headaches, vision changes, and hormonal disruptions — see your doctor if these occur.
• Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and medication, all available through Canada’s provincial health systems.
• Early diagnosis improves outcomes significantly. Start with your family doctor or a walk-in clinic if you have concerns.
• This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical advice and before making any decisions about your health.