Aivolisäkkeenadenoomat

Aivolisäkkeenadenoomat, also known as pituitary adenomas, are non-cancerous tumors that develop in the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain, responsible for producing hormones that regulate various bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

These adenomas can be classified based on their size and hormone production. Functional adenomas produce excess hormones, leading to specific symptoms depending on the hormone affected. For instance, prolactinomas, the most common type, secrete excess prolactin, which can cause menstrual irregularities, infertility, and milky nipple discharge in women, and decreased libido and erectile dysfunction in men. Growth hormone-producing adenomas can lead to acromegaly in adults and gigantism in children. ACTH-producing adenomas can cause Cushing's disease. Non-functional adenomas do not produce excess hormones but can cause symptoms due to their size and pressure on surrounding structures.

Symptoms of pituitary adenomas vary widely and can include headaches, vision problems (especially peripheral vision loss due to pressure on the optic nerves), and hormonal imbalances. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests to measure hormone levels, and imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans.

Treatment options depend on the type, size, and hormone production of the adenoma, as well as the patient's symptoms. These may include medication to control hormone levels, surgery to remove the tumor, or radiation therapy. In many cases, pituitary adenomas are treatable, and patients can achieve a good quality of life with appropriate management.