In its continued efforts to help raise awareness and educate patients, family members and the public about the signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of pituitary disorders, the John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John’s Health Center is hosting its 2nd California Hormonal & Pituitary Health Symposium on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free event is open to the public and will take place at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, The Edye Second Stage, in Santa Monica CA.
“Our mission is to increase public awareness about the signs and symptoms of pituitary hormonal disorders and pituitary tumors, as well as the major advances being made in the medical and surgical treatments of these problems,†said Daniel F. Kelly, MD, director of Saint John’s Brain Tumor Center and Pituitary Disorders Program and faculty member at John Wayne Cancer Institute. “Ounce-for-ounce, the pituitary gland is by far our most under-appreciated yet essential body part.â€
Situated directly below the brain and optic nerves behind the nasal sinuses and weighing less than a gram, the pituitary is often called the “master gland” since it regulates so many critical body functions. Pituitary hormones control growth and development, sexuality and reproductive function, metabolism, the response to stress, electrolyte and water balance and quality of life. The pituitary can be affected by genetic disorders, brain trauma and by tumors that develop in and around the gland.
Pituitary dysfunction and pituitary tumors can be difficult to diagnose due to their varied symptoms. Some pituitary adenomas over-produce hormones leading to specific syndromes including acromegaly and gigantism (excess growth hormone), Cushing’s disease (excess adrenocorticotropic hormone) and prolactinomas (excess prolactin). Other conditions may cause gland failure and hormonal deficiencies that can manifest as weight gain, depression, fatigue, loss of libido, infertility, hypothyroidism, excessive hair growth and osteoporosis. Larger pituitary tumors can cause visual loss and headaches Although autopsy reports and brain imaging studies indicate as many as 1 in 5 individuals may have a pituitary tumor, the number of people with clinically significant pituitary tumors or pituitary-related hormonal disorders is uncertain.
“It is likely that millions of individuals continue to suffer from highly treatable but undiagnosed pituitary conditions, which is why there is a tremendous need for public education about the gland and its critical role in daily life,†added Dr. Kelly.
For more information about the 2nd California Hormonal & Pituitary Health Symposium or to register for the event: www.brain-tumor.org
or call
Pat Fitzwater at 805-300-9154 or e-mail her at pat@academiceventmanagement.com.
John Wayne Cancer Institute
Since 1981, the John Wayne name has been committed by the Wayne family to groundbreaking cancer research and education in memory of their father, who died of cancer. The John Wayne Cancer Institute has received worldwide acclaim for advances in melanoma (skin cancer), breast and colon cancer as well as for immune therapy of cancer.
