Question 1

how serious is removal of pituitary tumor using transphenoidal procedure and what is recovery time? when can one go home after procedure?

Accepted Answer

Well tolerated: The more modern method for pituitary tumor resection is via a transnasal endoscopic approach that is a modification of the transphenoidal approach. Although there are always risks, in experienced hands these risks are very low. Depending on the size/ tenacity of the tumor, patients generally go home in 1-3 days. They should be awake and alert within an hour or two after the surgery. Pain is low.

Question 2

can a pituitary tumor reoccur?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It can recur within a few years. That is why it needs to be followed every year with a MRI after surgery.

Question 3

how dangerous is a pituitary tumor?

Accepted Answer

It can be dangerous!: If you have a pituitary tumor you need to make sure you follow up with your physician as directed. Unmonitored and untreated, it can cause a lot of problems.

Question 4

how do you diagnose a pituitary tumor?

Accepted Answer

MRI: An MRI of the brain is the best way to see and diagnose a pituitary tumor.  Most pituitary tumors are benign (not cancerous).

Question 5

how do i know if i have a pituitary tumor?

Accepted Answer

MRI: Pituitary tumors often cause changes in vision. They can also secrete certain hormones which can cause various symptoms. If there is significant concern, an MRI can diagnose a pituitary tumor.

Question 6

can a pituitary tumor be cured if found early?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Surgery is the only real cure for a pituitary tumor. However, some can be controlled with medication.

Question 7

what is the process of pituitary tumor removal?

Accepted Answer

Trans-sphenoidal: If possible, the preferred method of pituitary tumor removal is transsphenoidal-  through the nose or through the space just under the upper lip.  After entering that area, you then enter the pituitary region through the sphenoid sinus and can remove the tumor from around the pituitary gland.

Question 8

what happens when you leave a pituitary tumor untreated?

Accepted Answer

Most tumors grow.: Even benign pituitary tumors may grow, albeit slowly.  Observation may be appropriate for older or very ill patients, but treatment is important to establish a diagnosis, and smaller tumors are easier to remove without complications.  Most of us collect medical problems, making surgery safer now than later in life.  Untreated tumors may cause vision problems, headache, and hormone abnormalities.

Question 9

what happens after a pituitary tumor is treated/removed?

Accepted Answer

Healthy life: After tumor is removed you can be discharged within a few days.Sometimes there is leakage of brain fluid for some time which eventually decreases and stops.You have to watch for infection of brain fluid.

Question 10

how can you tell if your pituitary tumor is really gone?

Accepted Answer

Have an MRI: Pituitary tumors are diagnosed with and followed with an mri. I have seen cases where a pituitary tumor was diagnosed or suspected with an older MRI device and with a newer on it was ruled out. Always, with any test, if a result does not seem likely, get another opinion.

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Doctor answers about:

Endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of pituitary tumor

A member asked:

How serious is removal of pituitary tumor using transphenoidal procedure and what is recovery time? when can one go home after procedure?

A member asked:

Can a pituitary tumor reoccur?

A member asked:

How dangerous is a pituitary tumor?

A member asked:

How do you diagnose a pituitary tumor?

A member asked:

How do i know if i have a pituitary tumor?

A member asked:

Can a pituitary tumor be cured if found early?

A member asked:

What is the process of pituitary tumor removal?

A member asked:

What happens when you leave a pituitary tumor untreated?

A member asked:

What happens after a pituitary tumor is treated/removed?

A member asked:

How can you tell if your pituitary tumor is really gone?

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