Benign or malignant tumours can arise in the pituitary gland. The normal secretion of hormones that regulate many of the processes within the body may become deranged. The tissues around the pituitary may be compressed especially the junction of the two optic nerves as they pass back into the brain (optic chiasm).
Clinical Features
Headache
Effects from loss of hormone secretion. Very variable, first signs typically loss of libido, alteration of periods in women
Impairment of visual field, typically affecting outer (temporal) field of both eyes
Impairment of colour vision or visual acuity
Occasionally double vision
Management
See neurologist urgently. Visual fields need to be checked with optometrist or ophthalmologist
