A pituitary tumor is an abnormal growth in the pituitary gland. The pituitary is a small gland in the brain.Most of these tumors are not cancerous. Signs and symptoms of pituitary tumor may include:
- Headache,dizziness
- Vision loss, particularly loss of peripheral vision
- Extra growth in the skull, hands, and feet
- menstrual cycle changes
- lowered sex drive
To diagnose a pituitary tumor, your doctor will likely take a detailed history and perform a physical exam. He or she might order:
- Blood and urine tests.These tests can determine whether you have an overproduction or deficiency of hormones.
- Brain imaging.A CT scan or MRI scan of your brain can help your doctor judge the location and size of a pituitary tumor.
- Vision testing.This can determine if a pituitary tumor has impaired your sight or peripheral vision.
Many pituitary tumors don't require treatment. Treatment for those that do depends on the type of tumor, its size and how far it has grown into your brain. Your age and overall health also are factors.
Surgery:Surgical removal of a pituitary tumor usually is necessary if the tumor is pressing on the optic nerves or if the tumor is overproducing certain hormones. The two main surgical techniques for treating pituitary tumors are:
- Endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal approach.This usually enables your doctor to remove the tumor through your nose and sinuses without an external incision. No other part of your brain is affected, and there's no visible scar. Large tumors may be difficult to remove this way, especially if a tumor has invaded nearby nerves or brain tissue.
- Transcranial approach (craniotomy).The tumor is removed through the upper part of your skull via an incision in your scalp. It's easier to reach large or more-complicated tumors using this procedure.
Radiosurgery (stereotactic radiosurgery) or gamma knife treatment. This uses 1 high dose of radiation sent right into the cancerous tissue. It causes less damage to nearby tissues. It is not actually surgery. But like surgery, it is a 1-session treatment that removes the tumor.
Every examination and operation related to the disease should be performed by a properly equipped hospital with the latest medical technology and professional academic medical staff. The Turkish Health Group will definitely direct you to the hospitals with the most modern medical equipment and professional medical staff related to your disease. Contact us for more information and a free second medical reference from a professional Turkish doctors.