Gamma Knife is used to treat pituitary adenomas

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, a pituitary adenoma is an abnormal growth, or tumor, in the pituitary gland, the part of the brain that regulates the body's balance of hormones. Pituitary adenomas are benign, but can lead to nerve damage, growth disturbances and changes in hormonal balance. While the cause is unknown, some pituitary tumors have been associated with mutations in DNA.

Symptoms of pituitary adenomas can vary considerably, largely depending on whether or not the tumor is secreting one or more of a variety of hormones. Even if the tumor is not producing any hormones, its location at the base of the brain can cause significant symptoms, including:

• Changes in weight
• Constipation
• Enlarged hands, feet
• Facial changes-Enlarged jaw, tongue, bones of the face, moon face, puffy eyes
• Hair changes
• Headache
• Lethargy
• Low blood pressure
• Nasal drainage
• Nausea and vomiting
• Personality changes - decreased sexual interest, irritability
• Problems with the sense of smell
• Seizures
• Skin changes
• Temperature sensitivity - Intolerance to cold or heat
• Visual changes - double vision, drooping eyelids
• Weakness

For more information on pituitary adenomas, visit the U.S. National Library of Medicine web site.