Pediatric pituitary lesions

What are pediatric pituitary lesions?

A pituitary lesion is an abnormal growth (tumor) in your pituitary gland, a gland at the base of your brain that regulates your body's hormone balances. Most pituitary lesions are noncancerous (benign).

Risk factors

Children who have a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia (Type 1 MEN) are at increased risk for pituitary lesions.

What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric pituitary lesions?

Symptoms of pituitary lesions can be caused by pressure on the pituitary gland or by an excess production of hormones.

Symptoms will vary from child to child, but may include:

• High blood pressure

• Rapid heart rate

• Headache

• Vision problems

• Excessive sweating

• Anxiety

• Fatigue or weakness

• Frequent urination

• Weight gain or weight loss

• Growth problems weight loss

• Delayed or premature puberty

• Nausea and vomiting

• Bruising

• Irregular/lack up menstrual periods 

• Constipation

How are pediatric pituitary lesions diagnosed?

There are several methods that are used for diagnosing pituitary lesions. Pituitary lesions will be evaluated by a medical endocrinologist and, when appropriate, will also be promptly evaluated by the surgical team.

What are the causes of pediatric pituitary lesions?

The exact cause of pituitary lesions is unknown. As with all types of tumors, it is caused by the growth of abnormal cells that multiply rapidly.

How are pediatric pituitary lesions treated?

• “Watchful waiting -” monitoring your child’s condition, but no initial treatment

• Surgery to remove the lesion

• Medications to control hormone levels or shrink the lesion

• Radiation therapy to destroy the lesion

• Hydrocortisone injections

Hydrocortisone Injection Video

This injection should be used when your child cannot take Hydrocortisone or Prednisone by mouth due to vomiting or unconsciousness. Please utilize this video as a periodic refresher so that if or when you need to give this injection you feel comfortable doing so. After administering Solu-Cortef, you should call 911 or call our office at 214-456-5959. Learn more about hydrocortisone injections in children.