Overview
A mixed functioning pituitary adenoma is a rare, usually non-cancerous (benign) tumor that grows in the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland is often called the "master gland" because it produces hormones that control many important body functions, including growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress responses. What makes a mixed functioning adenoma different from other pituitary tumors is that it produces two or more types of hormones at the same time. For example, the tumor might release both growth hormone and prolactin, or a combination of other pituitary hormones. This leads to a complex set of symptoms because multiple hormone systems are disrupted simultaneously. Symptoms depend on which hormones are being overproduced. Patients may experience a combination of problems such as abnormal growth of hands and feet (acromegaly from excess growth hormone), irregular menstrual periods or milk production unrelated to pregnancy (from excess prolactin), weight gain and skin changes (from excess cortisol), or symptoms of an overactive thyroid. As the tumor grows, it can also press on nearby structures, causing headaches and vision problems, particularly loss of peripheral (side) vision. Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, medication, and sometimes radiation therapy. Transsphenoidal surgery, where the tumor is removed through the nose, is often the first-line treatment. Medications such as dopamine agonists (cabergoline, bromocriptine) or somatostatin analogs (octreotide, lanreotide) may be used to control hormone overproduction. Because multiple hormones are involved, treatment plans are often more complex and require close coordination among specialists.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
HeadachesLoss of side (peripheral) visionEnlargement of hands and feetIrregular or absent menstrual periodsUnexpected breast milk productionWeight gain, especially around the midsection and faceFatigue and weaknessExcessive sweatingJoint painChanges in facial features such as a larger jaw or browDecreased sex drive or erectile dysfunctionHigh blood sugar or diabetesHigh blood pressureMood changes including anxiety or depressionSkin changes such as easy bruising or stretch marks
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
2 availableCARNEXIV
Replacement therapy for oral carbamazepine formulations, when oral administration is temporarily not feasible, in adults with mixed seizure patterns which include partial or generalized seizures
CARBAMAZEPINE
Carbamazepine is indicated for use as an anticonvulsant drug for mixed seizure patterns which include partial or generalized seizures
Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Mixed functioning pituitary adenoma at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Mixed functioning pituitary adenoma.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Financial Resources
1 resourcesTravel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Mixed functioning pituitary adenoma.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Which specific hormones is my tumor producing, and how does each one affect my body?,Is surgery recommended for my tumor, and what are the chances of a complete cure with surgery alone?,What medications will I need, and what side effects should I watch for?,Should I be tested for a genetic syndrome that could explain my tumor?,How often will I need blood tests and MRI scans for monitoring?,What are the warning signs of a medical emergency related to my condition?,Will I need hormone replacement therapy, and if so, for how long?
Common questions about Mixed functioning pituitary adenoma
What is Mixed functioning pituitary adenoma?
A mixed functioning pituitary adenoma is a rare, usually non-cancerous (benign) tumor that grows in the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland is often called the "master gland" because it produces hormones that control many important body functions, including growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress responses. What makes a mixed functioning adenoma different from other pituitary tumors is that it produces two or more types of hormones at the same time. For example, the tumor might release both growth hormone and prolactin, or a combination of
How is Mixed functioning pituitary adenoma inherited?
Mixed functioning pituitary adenoma follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Mixed functioning pituitary adenoma typically begin?
Typical onset of Mixed functioning pituitary adenoma is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
What treatment and support options exist for Mixed functioning pituitary adenoma?
1 patient support program are currently tracked on UniteRare for Mixed functioning pituitary adenoma. See the treatments and support programs sections for copay assistance, eligibility, and contact details.