Signs of a Brain Tumor, Part 3: The Glands

The brain is one of the body’s largest organs and features many essential components. From the lobes and cerebellum to the brain stem and glands, each part of the brain works to maintain a healthy mental and physical state for a person’s overall health.

Tumor development in any area of the brain will interrupt the affected component’s function and result in troublesome symptoms. In this article, we’re looking at signs of a tumor on the brain glands, specifically the pituitary glands, hypothalamus, and pineal gland.

Signs of a Brain Tumor on the Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is responsible for hormone production that helps the body grow, metabolize, reproduce, and cope with stress or trauma. It also plays an active role for women during childbirth and early motherhood as it controls hormone releases. A tumor on the pituitary gland can cause hormone deficiency or excessive production of certain hormones.

Signs of deficiency:

Body weakness
Cold sensations
Decrease in menstrual cycles
Excessive urine production
Sexual performance issues
Unexplained weight loss or weight gain

Signs of excessive hormone production:

High blood pressure or high blood sugar
Increased acne development
Thicker body hair growth
Painful joints
Excessive sweating
Bodily swelling
Reproductive system complications
Moodiness, anxiousness, or depression
Muscle weakness
Random bruising
Weakened bones
Weight gain in certain areas
Weight loss

Signs of a Brain Tumor on the Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is a brain gland that functions as the main controller for your hormone system. It helps keep the body in a state of balance or homeostasis. A growth called hypothalamic hamartoma will disrupt the hypothalamus and cause many dysfunctions. A hypothalamic hamartoma forms in the womb and is considered a birth defect. Signs can appear during early childhood or adolescence, and occasionally, symptoms will begin appearing in adulthood.

Signs of a hypothalamic hamartoma:

Difficulties socializing
Difficulties with balance and motor skills
Disruptions with thirst (either excessive thirst or deficient thirst)
Early onset of puberty (8 years old or earlier for girls, 9 years old or earlier for boys)
- Puberty can develop in infancy for some patients
Episodes of untriggered anger
Frequent urination
Learning disabilities
Memory problems
Seizures, including gelastic seizures (unexplained fits of laughing or giggling)

Signs of a Brain Tumor on the Penial Gland

The brain’s penial gland is located in the central part of the brain and maintains your body’s circadian rhythm by producing the hormone melatonin. A healthy penial gland means the body experiences normal tiredness at night and functions well during the day. A tumor on the pineal gland is most likely to cause hydrocephalus or pressure in the brain due to excessive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or a blocked flow of CSF.