Learn About Hypothalamic Tumor
A hypothalamic tumor is an abnormal growth in the hypothalamus gland, which is located in the brain.
Hypothalamic glioma; Hypothalamus - tumor
The exact cause of hypothalamic tumors is not known. It is likely that they result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
In children, most hypothalamic tumors are gliomas. Gliomas are a common type of brain tumor that result from the abnormal growth of glial cells, which support nerve cells. Gliomas can occur at any age. They are often more aggressive in adults than in children.
In adults, tumors in the hypothalamus are more likely cancer that has spread from another organ.
People with neurofibromatosis (a hereditary condition) are at increased risk for this type of tumor. People who have undergone radiation therapy are at increased risk of developing tumors in general.
These tumors can cause a range of symptoms:
- Euphoric "high" sensations
- Failure to thrive (lack of normal growth in children)
- Headache
- Hyperactivity
- Loss of body fat and appetite (cachexia)
These symptoms are most often seen in children whose tumors affect the front part of the hypothalamus.
Some tumors may cause vision loss. If the tumors block the flow of spinal fluid, headaches and sleepiness may result from fluid collecting in the brain (hydrocephalus).
Some people can have seizures as a result of brain tumors. Other people may develop precocious puberty from a change in pituitary gland function.
The treatment depends on how aggressive the tumor is, and whether it is a glioma or another type of cancer. Treatment may involve combinations of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Special radiation treatments can be focused on the tumor. They can be as effective as surgery, with less risk to surrounding tissue. Brain swelling caused by a tumor may need to be treated with steroids.
Hypothalamic tumors may produce hormones or affect hormone production, leading to imbalances that may need to be corrected. In some cases, hormones may need to be replaced or reduced.
The Florence Endocrine Clinic A Professional Limited Liability Company
Bethany Jackson is an Endocrinologist in Florence, Alabama. Dr. Jackson has been practicing medicine for over 16 years and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hypothalamic Tumor. Her top areas of expertise are Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Peripheral Neuropathy, and Thyroid Storm.
Syed Ahmed is an Endocrinologist in Florence, Alabama. Dr. Ahmed and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hypothalamic Tumor. His top areas of expertise are Thyroid Storm, Graves Disease, Toxic Nodular Goiter, and Thyroid Nodule.
Mark Devin Shepherd
Mark Shepherd is an Endocrinologist in Tupelo, Mississippi. Dr. Shepherd and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hypothalamic Tumor. His top areas of expertise are Obesity in Children, Thyroid Storm, Thyroid Nodule, and Hyperparathyroidism.
You can often help the stress of illness by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems.
The outlook depends on:
- The type of tumor (glioma or other type)
- Location of tumor
- Grade of tumor
- Size of tumor
- Your age and general health
In general, gliomas in adults are more aggressive than in children and usually have a worse outcome. Tumors that cause hydrocephalus may cause more complications, and may need surgery.
Complications of brain surgery may include:
- Bleeding
- Brain damage
- Death (rarely)
- Infection
Seizures can result from the tumor or from any surgical procedure on the brain.
Hydrocephalus can occur with some tumors and can require surgery or a catheter placed in the brain to reduce spinal fluid pressure.
Risks for radiation therapy include damage to healthy brain cells when tumor cells are destroyed.
Common side effects from chemotherapy include loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and fatigue.
Contact your provider if you or your child develops any symptoms of a hypothalamic tumor. Regular medical check-ups may detect early signs of a problem, such as abnormal weight gain or early puberty.
Background: Cushing s disease is caused by excess ACTH hormone release by a benign tumor of the pituitary gland. It can lead to decreased quality of life and early death. The current best treatment for Cushing s disease is surgery. If surgery does not work or if the tumor returns, there are no more good treatment options. Vorinostat, which is approved to treat a type of lymphoma, might be a treatment option.
Background: Pituitary tumors can cause problems by secreting hormones in the body. They can also problems by growing large and pushing on organs near the pituitary gland. The best treatment for such tumors is to remove them by surgery. But that may be sometimes difficult. Some tumors maybe too small to see. Some other tumors maybe so large that portions maybe left behind during surgery. The endosphenoidal coi...
Published Date: March 31, 2024
Published By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Goodden J, Mallucci C. Optic pathway hypothalamic gliomas. In: Winn HR, ed. Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 233.
Weiss RE. Neuroendocrinology and the neuroendocrine system. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 204.