Question: What are the genetic changes related to familial isolated pituitary adenoma ?
Answer: FIPA can be caused by mutations in the AIP gene. The function of the protein produced from this gene is not well understood, but it is thought to act as a tumor suppressor, which means it helps prevent cells from growing and dividing in an uncontrolled way. Mutations in the AIP gene alter the protein or reduce the production of functional protein. These changes likely impair the ability of the AIP protein to control the growth and division of cells, allowing pituitary cells to grow and divide unchecked and form a tumor. It is not known why the pituitary gland is specifically affected or why certain types of pituitary adenomas develop. AIP gene mutations account for approximately 15 to 25 percent of cases of FIPA. Somatotropinomas are the most common type of tumor in these individuals. The tumors usually occur at a younger age, often in childhood, and are larger than FIPA tumors not caused by AIP gene mutations. The other genetic causes of FIPA are unknown.
Source: GHR

Question: Is familial isolated pituitary adenoma inherited ?
Answer: FIPA is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder. However, only 20 to 30 percent of individuals with an AIP gene mutation develop a pituitary adenoma. This phenomenon, in which some individuals with a mutation do not develop the features of a particular disorder, is called incomplete penetrance.
Source: GHR

Question: What are the treatments for familial isolated pituitary adenoma ?
Answer: These resources address the diagnosis or management of familial isolated pituitary adenoma: - American Cancer Society: How are Pituitary Tumors Diagnosed? - Gene Review: Gene Review: AIP-Related Familial Isolated Pituitary Adenomas - Genetic Testing Registry: AIP-Related Familial Isolated Pituitary Adenomas - MedlinePlus Encyclopedia: Prolactinoma - MedlinePlus Health Topic: Pituitary Tumors These resources from MedlinePlus offer information about the diagnosis and management of various health conditions: - Diagnostic Tests - Drug Therapy - Surgery and Rehabilitation - Genetic Counseling - Palliative Care
Source: GHR