How is a pituitary tumor diagnosed?
The diagnosis is made either by an imaging study (MRI, CT scan) that shows a growth in the pituitary gland, because of hormone tests to evaluate pituitary function, including pituitary hormone overproduction or because of loss of vision. Often an MRI study is obtained because of headaches, because of trauma or loss of vision and an abnormality in the pituitary gland is found. This requires a full Endocrine (hormone) evaluation and eye examination. Endocrine evaluation is to assess pituitary function ( to determine if there is any pituitary hormone deficiency) and pituitary hormone overproduction. In the case of a large tumor that is near or pressing on the optic chiasm (nerves responsible for vision), a thorough eye examination, including visual acuity and visual field examination, is necessary. Necessary blood hormone tests include assessment of adrenal cortisol production (cortisol and ACTH), thyroid function (Free T4 and TSH), growth hormone production (IGF-1 level), gonadal functio
