Other patients who have hypothalamic tumors develop an unequal distribution of body fat and obesity not associated with excessive appetite. The reasons for this are somewhat unclear and treatment is often unsatisfactory for both these types of obesity. Although it is rare in persons with pituitary tumors, low levels of ADH may be seen after pituitary surgery, especially with the removal of a craniopharyngioma. This is called diabetes insipidus. If not treated properly, urination increases dramatically and body fluids are lost.
Mild forms are common.
Many times this condition will resolve on its own and do not require long-term treatment. This refers to the partial or complete deficiency of pituitary secretion. It may be related to a tumor or as a result of surgery or radiation. In these situations, physicians watch for a predictable pattern as hormone functions begin to fail. Treatment involves replacing appropriate levels of hormones.