Risk Factors
A risk factor is a behavior, characteristic, or condition that raises the possibility of developing a disease. There are no known behavioral risk factors for developing a pituitary tumor, and very few known risk factors in general. Here are some inherited genetic conditions that may increase the risk of developing pituitary tumors.
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Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1) Syndrome
MEN1 is an inherited genetic condition that causes tumors to develop in the pituitary gland, parathyroid gland, and pancreas.
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Familial Isolated Pituitary Adenoma (FIPA)
FIPA is another inherited genetic disease in which tumors form on the pituitary gland. These tumors are more likely to overproduce growth hormone and prolactin.
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Carney Complex
Carney complex is an inherited genetic condition that may cause dark spots to form on the skin, or tumors to form on the heart, endocrine glands, nerves, or skin. This disease may increase the risk of developing a pituitary tumor (usually growth hormone producing adenomas). There is also increased risk for thyroid carcinoma, testicular tumors, ovarian cysts, and breast adenomas.
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Isolated Familial Acromegaly
This is a condition that causes the pituitary gland to produce too much growth hormone before or after the skeleton and bones are finished growing. This condition may cause the bones to grow too large and wide, leading to unique facial and skeletal manifestations of this disease.
