How is pituitary tumor treated?
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The treatment options for a pituitary tumor depend on several factors, including the size and location of the tumor. Surgery is often recommended if a tumor is creating pressure on the optic nerve and disrupting a person's vision. The majority of the time, surgery to remove this kind of growth can be done through the nose. However, some pituitary tumors cannot be removed this way and require an entry through the skull. Radiation therapy is usually used to shrink tumors in conjunction with surgery or in place of surgery if an operation is not possible. Certain medications can also be used to shrink tumors. In certain instances, a physician will take a "watch and wait" kind of approach. This treatment option is used particularly if a person is elderly or in poor health, or when a tumor is not causing any symptoms.
The treatment options for a pituitary tumor depend on several factors, including the size and location of the tumor. Surgery is often recommended if a tumor is creating pressure on the optic nerve and disrupting a person's vision. The majority of... More -
Johns Hopkins Medicine answered:Pituitary tumors are growths which impair the normal function of your pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is often considered the "master gland." It regulates most of the body's hormonal balance.
Once your doctor has diagnosed your pituitary tumor, there are several treatment options available:
- Endonasal transsphenoidal surgery - in this surgery your doctor will enter the area through your nose in order to remove the tumor
- Medication
- Radiation therapy
Pituitary tumors are growths which impair the normal function of your pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is often considered the "master gland." It regulates most of the body's hormonal balance. Once your doctor has diagnosed your pituitary... More -
Donna Hill Howes answered:Generally, the treatment for pituitary tumor depends on the type of tumor, the size of the tumor, whether the tumor has invaded or pressed on surrounding structures such as the brain and visual pathways, and the individual's age and overall health. Three types of treatment are used: surgical removal of the tumor; radiation therapy, in which high-dose X-rays are used to kill tumor cells; and drug therapy to shrink or destroy the tumor. Medications are also sometimes used to block the tumor from overproducing hormones. For some people, removing the tumor will also stop the pituitary's ability to produce a specific hormone. These individuals will have to take synthetic hormones to replace the ones their pituitary gland no longer produces.
This answer is based on source information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Generally, the treatment for pituitary tumor depends on the type of tumor, the size of the tumor, whether the tumor has invaded or pressed on surrounding structures such as the brain and visual pathways, and the individual's age and overall... More
