Proof is in the Pituitary
By fuzzmartin
According to ESPN.com, the benign tumor that has been ailing Jason Giambi is indeed located in his pituitary gland. For those of you who are not biology majors, the pituitary gland is the size of a pea and located at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland controls human growth hormone secretion, adrenal gland function, breast milk production, thyroid gland operation, function of the ovaries and testes, and skin pigmentation.
It is common to associate tumors in this region with anabolic steroid use. Which could be why Mr. Giambi would not disclose where his tumor was located.
Luckily, Giambi's condition is said to be non-life threatening. Lyle Alzado, NFL great and long time user of growth hormone supplements and anabolic steroids, tragically died from a cancerous tumor in his pituitary. Lyle believed the cancer that eventually killed him was brought on by the use of those banned substances which affect the pituitary's natural function.
Ironically, Jason had to have the treatment for his tumor: an anti-inflammatory - non-anabolic steriod, approved by MLB. The corticosteriods he will be taking are used for tissue breakdown and to reduce swelling.
Jason is currently training at the Yankees training facility in Tampa, FL. He has not played since July 23rd.
