Hypothalamic tumor
Hypothalamic glioma; Hypothalamus - tumorA hypothalamic tumor is an abnormal growth in the hypothalamus gland, which is located in the brain.
Tumor
A tumor is an abnormal growth of body tissue. Tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign).
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleHypothalamus
The hypothalamus is an area of the brain that produces hormones that control:Body temperatureHeart rateHungerMoodRelease of hormones from many glands...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleCauses
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.
Neurofibromatosis
Neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1) is an inherited disorder in which nerve tissue tumors (neurofibromas) form in the:Upper and lower layers of the skinNerves ...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleSymptoms
These tumors can cause a range of symptoms:
- Euphoric "high" sensations
- Failure to thrive (lack of normal growth in children)
Failure to thrive
Failure to thrive refers to children whose current weight or rate of weight gain is much lower than that of other children of similar age and sex....
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Headache
- Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity means having increased movement, impulsive actions, a shorter attention span, and being easily distracted.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - 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).
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a buildup of fluid inside the skull that leads to the brain pushing against the skull. Hydrocephalus means "water on the brain. "...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleSome people can have seizures as a result of brain tumors. Other people may develop precocious puberty from a change in pituitary gland function.
Seizures
A seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticlePrecocious puberty
Puberty is the time when a person's sexual and physical characteristics mature. Precocious puberty is when these body changes happen earlier than no...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleExams and Tests
Your health care provider may see signs of a hypothalamic tumor during a regular checkup. A brain and nervous system (neurological) exam, including tests of visual function, may be done. Blood tests for hormone imbalances may also be ordered.
Visual function
The visual acuity test is used to determine the smallest letters you can read on a standardized chart (Snellen chart) or a card held 20 feet (6 meter...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleDepending on the results of the examination and blood tests, a CT scan or MRI scan can determine whether you have a hypothalamic tumor.
CT scan
A computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...
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A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the body. It does not us...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleVisual field testing may be done to check for vision loss and to determine whether the condition is improving or getting worse.
Visual field testing
The visual field refers to the total area in which objects can be seen in the side (peripheral) vision as you focus your eyes on a central point. Thi...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleTreatment
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.
Radiation
Radiation therapy uses high-powered radiation (such as x-rays or gamma rays), particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleChemotherapy
The term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleSpecial 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.
Support Groups
You can often help the stress of illness by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems.
Support group
The following organizations are good resources for information on cancer:American Cancer Society. Support and online communities. www. cancer. org/...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleOutlook (Prognosis)
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.
Possible Complications
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.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
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.
References
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.
Review Date: 3/31/2024
Reviewed 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.