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.
UPMC Neurological Institute - Presbyterian
Dr. Gardner is the Peter J. Jannetta Endowed Chair of neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and director of the Center for Skull Base Surgery. He specializes in endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery, pituitary tumors, Neuroendoport brain surgery, and vascular neurosurgery. Dr. Gardner is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hypothalamic Tumor. His top areas of expertise are Chordoma, Pituitary Tumor, Meningioma, Endoscopic Transnasal Transsphenoidal Surgery, and Nerve Decompression.
UCHealth Diabetes And Endocrinology Clinic - Anschutz Medical Campus (Primary)
Margaret Wierman is an Endocrinologist in Aurora, Colorado. Dr. Wierman is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hypothalamic Tumor. Her top areas of expertise are Adrenocortical Carcinoma, Pituitary Tumor, Adrenal Cancer, Hypothalamic Tumor, and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Dr. Wierman is currently accepting new patients.
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Pablo Recinos is a Neurosurgery provider in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Recinos has been practicing medicine for over 24 years and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hypothalamic Tumor. His top areas of expertise are Meningioma, Pituitary Tumor, Cushing's disease, Endoscopic Transnasal Transsphenoidal Surgery, and Balloon Sinuplasty.
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.
Summary: There is a variety of tumors affecting the pituitary gland in childhood; some of these tumors (eg craniopharyngioma) are included among the most common central nervous system tumors in childhood. The gene(s) involved in the pathogenesis of these tumors are largely not known; their possible association with other developmental defects or inheritance pattern(s) has not been investigated. The present...
Background: Neuroendocrine neoplasm (NENs)are rare cancers arising from the neuroendocrine cells and can affect almost any part of the body. They vary from low grade neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) to high grade neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). These tumors often occur in the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, lungs, adrenal medulla (pheochromocytomas) or adrenal cortex (adrenocortical cancer) and other areas of...
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.