“How are pituitary tumors treated?”
I am a 36 year old female. I want to know how are pituitary tumors treated?
6 Answers
It depends on the type of pituitary tumor. Most common treatment is observation or medication or surgery, depending on hormone production of the pituitary tumor.
Small, non-invasive tumors need to be left alone and followed. Consider if they are functional? Are all the hormones being secreted? Is the Prolactin level high? Many so-called "tumors" are really just irregularities in the gland and can be followed by a CT or MRI on a yearly basis. If the tumor is functional, making too much hormone like growth hormone, then it should be removed. Check any tumor of more than 2 mm for pressure on the optic nerves. Many tumors are just incidentally found and just need yearly follow-up as long as there is no expansion or trouble.
Sreedevi Reddy
Endocrinology, Diabetes
Answer is not simple. A lot depends on how this was diagnosed, whether found incidentally on imaging study or based on the lab work. Treatment depends on the size of the tumor, compression of surrounding structures on MRI, whether it is functional (based on lab tests), and also presentation including symptoms. It would be reasonable to get an Endocrinology evaluation.
If it’s making a hormone called Prolactin, it can be shrunk with a pill called Cabergoline or Bromocriptine. If it is making a different hormone it may need to have surgery (usually through the nose which is called transphenoidal). If it is not making any hormones, we usually just monitor it and otherwise leave it alone unless it is causing problems with vision.
Pituitary tumors may be treated by several ways depending on their presentation. If they produce prolactin, drug treatment with cabergoline is used. If they produce ACTH, surgery is used. If they extend out of the pouch where they sit (sella turcica) or impinge the optic nerve, surgery might be indicated. Surgery is also indicated when the patient makes too much growth hormone (acromegaly). If they are small and non-functioning, they may be observed.
It depends on the type and size of the pituitary tumors; secretory tumors may or may not need surgery, some respond to medical treatment, however, the size of the tumor and symptoms may change the approach.
