Dangers of a cyst on the Pituitary gland

What are the dangers of a cyst on the Pituitary gland?  

[rumpled]

It can vary depending on what the size of the cyst is. Larger cysts can effect eyesight and hormones. Smaller cysts can still effect hormones. Depending on the hormones, well, effects can vary from the annoying to the dangerous.

[cherit128]

what do you consider a "larger cyst" compared to a smaller cyst" ?  my 17 year old daughter just had a MRI because she has not started her menstrual cycle yet.  we are now being referred to a neuro surgeon.she has no other symptoms other than no monthly cycle has started yet.

[cherit128]

thank you for your response,  the dr said her sist is 1.3 cm which is 13 mm. do you know what is considered LARGE or SMALL ?
when I asked if this was large the answer was well yes it could be, she really did not know much about this as she was just my daughters pediatrition, which is why she had the referral.  she said she would do some research and get back to me if she found anything ,
the office got right back to me and just said the MRI was being mailed out to childrens today, and no more info...  

[cherit128]

her prolactin levels are over 200, which is what prompted further testing, and probably the reason why she has not started a menstrual cycle yet.

[rumpled]

I responded to another post - I highly doubt it is a cyst at this point with an elevated prolactin level.

[enzymelover]

Anything over 1 cm is considered a macroadenoma, under 1 cm is a micro-adenoma. It could be a prolactinoma. They are the most common pituitary tumors. Your daughter  should meet with a neurosurgeon and also an endocrinologist, for a full workup and explanation of your options. Medications are available for prolactinomas, however if she has a Rathke-cleft cyst or anything other than a prolactinoma, surgery may be necessary.

My son had a pituitary cyst that grew to 19 mm before he finally got his surgery. He sustained a lot of pituitary damage before surgery, from pressure on the gland. His surgeon was excellent and he recovered quickly, but he is on replacement hormones, probably for life.