Question 1

i have a non-functioning pituitary tumor 1.2cm. we are ready to have a baby, is there anything i should be concerned about before trying to conceive?

Accepted Answer

No: About 20% of the population has a pituitary adenoma/tumor and do not know it.  Surgery or medical therapy for clinically nonfunctioning adenomas is not indicated during pregnancy. Pregnancy may cause an increase in the size of tumors that secrete prolactin, especially macroadenomas, so close surveillance is indicated and use of Dopamine agonist therapy may be needed.

Question 2

is adrenal insufficiency after pituitary tumor removal permanent?  how long before most usually gain pituitary function for acth back?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: It is really quite variable when the pituitary function restarts after the operation.  It often depends on how much was removed.  Unfortunately, sometimes it is permanent.  Check with your neurosurgeon for more details.

Question 3

on average how fast or slow would a typical non-functional, benign pituitary tumor grow per year?

Accepted Answer

Can't say: Pituitary tumors are mostly benign but they can be hormone secreting or non-hormone secreting. They may not spread to other body parts but can cause symptoms due to hormones or their growth rate. Growth rate depends on type of tumor,age, sex of patient, hormones secreted and pathology report that your doctor will get after the surgery. Good luck.

Question 4

can a non functional pituitary tumor become functional and vice versa and can it become cancerous later?

Accepted Answer

Occasionally: Most "non-functional" pituitary adenomas are actually doing stuff if you look hard enough, and they can expand, damage surrounding structures, and sometimes even be destructive like low-grade cancers. Various protocols exist to treat them -- often it's good to get a couple of opinions. Best wishes.

Question 5

what is a pituitary tumor?

Accepted Answer

A growth: A pituitary tumor is simply a growth on the pituitary.  It's not cancerous but it could cause problems by increasing or decreasing pituitary hormone secretion.  It can also cause visual problems if it's big enough.

Question 6

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 7

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 8

can a pituitary tumor affect speech?

Accepted Answer

Should not affect.: Pituitary tumors, unless massive in size (affecting other areas of the brain), should not affect speech.

Question 9

what medicine helps a pituitary tumor?

Accepted Answer

Many: There are many drugs available to treat pituitary tumor but they are usually used after pituitary surgery.  The only two drugs commonly used to treat pituitary tumor before surgery are: bromocriptine and carbegoline.  These are utilized to treat prolactin-producing pituitary tumor.

Question 10

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).

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Doctor answers about:

Non functioning pituitary tumor

A member asked:

I have a non-functioning pituitary tumor 1.2cm. we are ready to have a baby, is there anything i should be concerned about before trying to conceive?

A member asked:

Is adrenal insufficiency after pituitary tumor removal permanent? how long before most usually gain pituitary function for acth back?

A member asked:

On average how fast or slow would a typical non-functional, benign pituitary tumor grow per year?

A member asked:

Can a non functional pituitary tumor become functional and vice versa and can it become cancerous later?

A member asked:

What is a pituitary tumor?

A member asked:

Can a pituitary tumor reoccur?

A member asked:

How dangerous is a pituitary tumor?

A member asked:

Can a pituitary tumor affect speech?

A member asked:

What medicine helps a pituitary tumor?

A member asked:

How do you diagnose a pituitary tumor?

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