There are several kinds of pituitary tumors, some which make hormones and some which don't. But they all press on the nerves that carry sight to the brain, so if large enough, they cause 'visual field defects' - you can't see in a given direction. Commonly, your vision to the side is restricted--you can see ahead OK. Headache is possible but nonspecific.
anonymous
2006-01-20 13:48:18 UTC
It can cause headaches. It can put pressure on the optic nerve, causing loss of lateral visual fields (tunnel vision: you start losing your vision to the far right and left, as you look straight ahead, and it closes in as it gets worse). Also, a pituitary tumour can cause hormonal problems of various types. A doctor is lead to consider the possibility of a pituitary tumour, either because he has found a hormonal imbalance in the body, or because of the headaches and visual loss. A MR scan of the head should confirm the diagnosis.
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