Overview
A null pituitary adenoma, also called a non-functioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) or clinically non-functioning pituitary adenoma, is a type of benign (non-cancerous) tumor that grows in the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain that produces hormones controlling many body functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Unlike other pituitary tumors, null pituitary adenomas do not produce excess hormones that cause obvious hormonal symptoms. Instead, they are often discovered when they grow large enough to press on nearby structures, especially the optic nerves (which can cause vision problems) or the normal pituitary tissue (which can reduce normal hormone production). Because these tumors do not secrete active hormones, they tend to be diagnosed later than hormone-producing pituitary tumors, often when they have already become quite large (macroadenomas). Common symptoms include headaches, vision changes such as loss of peripheral vision, and symptoms of hormone deficiency like fatigue, low sex drive, irregular periods, or infertility. Some patients may have no symptoms at all, and the tumor is found incidentally during brain imaging done for another reason. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the tumor, usually through a minimally invasive approach through the nose called transsphenoidal surgery. Radiation therapy may be used if the tumor cannot be fully removed or if it comes back. Hormone replacement therapy is often needed to replace the hormones the damaged pituitary gland can no longer produce. Regular follow-up with MRI scans and hormone testing is important because these tumors can recur.
Key symptoms:
Loss of peripheral (side) visionBlurred vision or double visionHeadachesFatigue and low energyLoss of sex driveIrregular or absent menstrual periods in womenErectile dysfunction in menInfertilityUnexplained weight gainFeeling cold all the timeNauseaDizziness or lightheadednessDecreased body hairMood changes or depressionMilky discharge from the breasts (galactorrhea)
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Null pituitary adenoma.
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Specialists
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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
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Null pituitary adenoma.
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
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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.How large is my tumor, and is it pressing on my optic nerves or other important structures?,Which of my pituitary hormones are affected, and will I need hormone replacement therapy?,Is surgery recommended, and what approach will be used? What are the risks?,What is the chance that my tumor will come back after treatment?,How often will I need MRI scans and blood tests for follow-up?,Should I be tested for any genetic conditions that could explain my pituitary tumor?,What should I do in case of an emergency, especially if I have cortisol deficiency?
Common questions about Null pituitary adenoma
What is Null pituitary adenoma?
A null pituitary adenoma, also called a non-functioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) or clinically non-functioning pituitary adenoma, is a type of benign (non-cancerous) tumor that grows in the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain that produces hormones controlling many body functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Unlike other pituitary tumors, null pituitary adenomas do not produce excess hormones that cause obvious hormonal symptoms. Instead, they are often discovered when they grow large enough to press on nearby st
How is Null pituitary adenoma inherited?
Null pituitary adenoma follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Null pituitary adenoma typically begin?
Typical onset of Null pituitary adenoma is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.