Types of brain tumours
Pituitary gland tumours are brain tumours that start to grow in the the pituitary gland. Most pituitary tumours are non cancerous (benign). Benign pituitary gland tumours are also called pituitary adenomas.
The pituitary gland is a small gland that lies in a hollow, just behind the eyes. It controls many body functions by making and releasing hormones into the bloodstream.
The pituitary gland is part of our endocrine system. So pituitary gland tumours are also called pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNETs).
Find out more about the endocrine system and the pituitary gland
Pituitary tumours can be put into 2 groups depending on whether they make hormones or not.
The symptoms you have depend on whether the tumour makes hormones or not.
Pituitary tumours that don't make hormones are usually larger than tumours that produce hormones. They can press on the nearby optic nerve and cause changes to your eyesight. They can also affect the normal pituitary gland tissue so that you have changes in the levels of hormones.
There are a number of different types of pituitary tumours that make hormones. These tumours can cause quite unusual symptoms depending on the type of hormone they produce.
About 17 out of every 100 brain tumours (about 17%) diagnosed are pituitary tumours.
Most pituitary tumours are benign (not a cancer). They usually grow slowly and tend not to spread.
Your doctor examines you and checks your symptoms. You also have tests to diagnose a pituitary tumour. This helps your doctor plan the treatment. The tests you might have include:
blood tests
MRI scan or CT scan
We have more information about the tests you might have to diagnose a brain tumour
The treatment you need depends on the type of pituitary tumour you have. It also depends on how well you are and your symptoms.
You have regular appointments with your doctor or nurse after treatment finishes. Your doctor examines you at each appointment. They ask how you are feeling, whether you have had any symptoms or side effects, and if you are worried about anything. You might have hearing tests. And you might also have MRI scans on some visits.
How often you have check ups depends on your individual situation.
Read more about follow up appointments after treatment for brain tumour
Coping with a diagnosis of a brain tumour can be difficult, both practically and emotionally. It can be especially difficult when you have a rare tumour. Being well informed about the type of tumour you have, and its treatment can make it easier to cope.
Find out what you can do, who can help and how to cope with a brain tumour
Doctors are always trying to improve the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours. As part of your treatment, your doctor might ask you to take part in a clinical trial. This might be to test a new treatment or look at different combinations of existing treatments.
Find out about the latest UK research and how you can take part in a clinical trial
Last reviewed: 17 Mar 2023
Next review due: 17 Mar 2026
Primary brain tumours are tumours that start in the brain. They can start anywhere in the brain and there are many different types of tumour.
You usually start by seeing your GP who might refer you to a specialist. Or you might go to Accident and Emergency (A&E) if you suddenly have severe symptoms.
Treatment for a brain or spinal cord tumour depends on the type of tumour you have, where it is and your general health.
Practical and emotional support is available to help you cope with a brain or spinal cord tumour.
Survival depends on different factors such as the type, position and grade of your brain or spinal cord tumour.
Primary brain tumours are cancers that start in the brain.
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