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describes the symptoms of a 10-year-old girl with a teratoma tumour in the pituitary gland?

4 years ago

Answered By Jacquelyn T

I hope this answers your question: 

The anterior pituitary gland is responsible for releasing ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) which causes the adrenal cortex to release cortisol (this will eventually cause a negative feedback loop). Cortisol is responsible for regulating blood pressure, increasing blood sugar, controlling your sleeping cycle, and can boost body energy during times of stress.  

So... if we were to describe physical symptoms of this girl with a tumor located in the pituitary gland, in the case that this tumor causes uncontrollable increase in cortisol: she could potentially gain weight, experience high blood pressure, and the muscle mass and fat in her body would break down (muscle weakness) which would eventually lead to Cushing's Syndrome.

In a case where cortisol is uncontrollably decreased, the opposite may happen: fatigue, low blood pressure, dizziness, and even loss of consciousness (Addisonian Crisis).