Pituitary Tumor Treatment

Pituitary tumors are abnormal growths that develop in the pituitary gland, a small, bean-shaped gland located at the base of the brain. Although most pituitary tumors are benign (noncancerous), they can affect hormone production and cause a variety of symptoms.

What Are Pituitary Tumors?

Pituitary tumors are growths in the pituitary gland, which regulates important body functions and hormones. Most tumors are adenomas — noncancerous and slow-growing.

Types of Pituitary Tumors:

Functioning tumors: Produce excess hormones
Non-functioning tumors: Do not produce hormones

Functioning Tumor Subtypes:

Prolactin-secreting (prolactinomas)
Growth hormone-secreting (acromegaly/gigantism)
ACTH-secreting (Cushing's disease)
TSH-secreting (hyperthyroidism)

What Are the Symptoms of Pituitary Tumors?

Symptoms vary depending on the tumor type and hormone affected.

Hormonal symptoms:

Irregular periods or lactation
Infertility
Erectile dysfunction
Weight gain or loss
Fatigue
Hair thinning
Enlarged hands/feet (acromegaly)
Vision changes

Tumor size symptoms:

Headaches
Vision loss (especially peripheral vision)
Nausea or vomiting
Facial numbness (rare)

What Are the Causes of Pituitary Tumors?

The exact cause is unknown, but may include:

Genetic mutations
Inherited disorders like Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 (MEN1)

Diagnosis of Pituitary Tumors

Blood tests and urine tests: To assess hormone levels
MRI or CT scan: To locate and measure tumor size
Eye exams: To evaluate vision changes
Stimulation/suppression tests: To check hormone function

Procedure

Treatment Options for Pituitary Tumors

Treatment depends on tumor type, size, and hormone activity.

1. Medications

Used for hormone-secreting tumors:

Dopamine agonists (e.g., cabergoline, bromocriptine): For prolactinomas
Somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide): For growth hormone-secreting tumors
Ketoconazole or metyrapone: To reduce cortisol

2. Surgery

Transsphenoidal surgery: Through the nose and sphenoid sinus (minimally invasive)
Craniotomy: Through the skull, for large or inaccessible tumors

3. Radiation Therapy

Used when surgery is incomplete or not an option
Stereotactic radiosurgery (e.g., Gamma Knife) for targeted treatment

Recovery After Surgery

Hospital stay: 2–3 days
Hormone replacement may be needed
Follow-up MRIs and hormone testing

Factors That Can Affect Pituitary Tumor Treatment Cost in India

Tumor type (functioning vs. non-functioning)
Need for surgery and complexity
Duration of hospitalization
Medication costs
Choice of hospital and city
Postoperative care and hormone therapy

India offers specialized treatment for pituitary tumors at affordable costs, with experienced neurosurgeons and endocrinologists.

Suggestions

Early diagnosis and hormone testing are crucial
Surgery often offers a cure for many types
Regular follow-up is needed to monitor hormone levels and tumor recurrence

The Most Important Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are pituitary tumors life-threatening?
A: Most are benign and not life-threatening but may cause significant hormonal imbalance or vision issues.

Q: Can pituitary tumors be cured?
A: Many functioning tumors can be controlled or cured with medication or surgery.

Q: Is pituitary tumor surgery safe?
A: Transsphenoidal surgery is highly successful with low risk when performed by skilled surgeons.

Q: Will I need hormone replacement therapy after surgery?
A: Possibly, if the tumor or surgery affects hormone production.

Q: Can pituitary tumors recur?
A: Yes, regular follow-up with imaging and hormone tests is essential.

Q: Are all pituitary tumors functional?
A: No, many do not secrete hormones and are discovered only when they grow large.

Q: Is vision affected by pituitary tumors?
A: Yes, large tumors may compress the optic nerves and cause vision loss.