A 21-year-old member asked:
Why are pituitary tumors so hard to diagnose?
3 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Stephen Nogaanswered
Medical Oncology 36 years experience
They are very small: These tumors secrete very powerful hormones that have far reaching affects on the body but many times the tumors are so small and also protected in the skull that they are not seen on standard imaging. Special imaging studies are needed many times to detect the tumors. Also, many of these hormones can be measured in the blood and if elevated, the search for the tumor is intensified.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. William Goldieanswered
Pediatric Neurology 50 years experience
Cellular level: The pituitary is a complex organ with many complex cells and interconnections. Normal changes in cell growth and hormone section is happening all the time. When these normal cell changes get out of control it may be very difficult to tell until they are very abnormal. No one test can be the answer.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. John Chastainanswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 21 years experience
It depends: Fortunately, in the era of modern medicine, diagnosis is typically not all that difficult. Mri is generally quite reliable in diagnosing pituitary tumors. Otherwise, eye exam (visual field testing) and blood hormone tests are important in diagnosing pituitary tumors. Prior to the age of accurate intracranial imaging, these tumors were indeed more difficult to diagnose.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 21-year-old member asked:
How are pituitary tumors diagnosed?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Quang Nguyenanswered
Specializes in Endocrinology
Labs and imaging: Labs (blood draw) will tell if it's a functioning tumor. Imaging studies (MRI) will show how big and what it looks like.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
How do you diagnose pituitary tumors?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Quang Nguyenanswered
Specializes in Endocrinology
MRI and labs: Blood tests can confirm if the tumor is actively producing extra hormones but MRI of the pituitary is the main study to visualize the actual tumor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 24-year-old member asked:
How do you diagnose a pituitary tumor?
1 doctor answer • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Devon Websteranswered
Medical Oncology 24 years experience
MRI: An MRI of the brain is the best way to see and diagnose a pituitary tumor. Most pituitary tumors are benign (not cancerous).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 22, 2017
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