Pituitary Tumors

Question: Pituitary tumors? What other body problems would have similar sympotoms a doctor would have to choose between like the pituitary tumor? (disorders with same syptoms as pituitary tumor). What test wuld be done to test to find a pituitary tumor. What would happen in a ER to find a pituitary tumor.

Answer: Hello...usually blood tests are done first to check to see if hormones are high or low depending on type of tumor. IGF1 is done for growth hormone because that is often the first hormone affected, also cortisol tests, thyroid (TSH, T3, T4), repro hormones, etc. If a tumor or other pituitary problem is suspected then a pituitary MRI with and without contrast is the best method of seeing the tumor. There are too many other disorders that could have similarities because there are so many hormones...you need to be more specific on what symptoms you have or test results. If cortisol is off could be adrenal, repro organ tumor if repro hormones off, etc. Here is a good site to look at symptoms and hormones that could be off: http://www.goodhormonehealth.com/symptom…

Question: I need to know about personal experiences with Pituitary tumors and treatments? Hi my name is Mandy Im 27 years old. I have just recently been diagnosed a second time around with Pituitary Tumor and I really need to know of other peoples experiences with it and there outcome after surgery. Thank You!

Answer: I feel for you. my niece had one diagnosed when she was 12 & a half; treatment then was surgery & chemotherapy; then a 2nd one when she was about 14 - tumor was growing fairly quickly so she had radiation - would make her REALLY sick & she would be in a wheel chair for a few days. she turns 19 in 11days time ; as far as I am aware ( she lives 1000+k's away from me) she still tires easily & is on all sorts of other medications as the tumour affected her thyroid; amongst other things. try to stay strong even on your darkest days & dont be concerned about upsetting other people if all you feel like doing is crying all day- tell them to step into your shoes for a while TAKE CARE of you & I hope everything works out well for you

Question: Does anyone know anything about Pituitary Tumors any help would be greatly appreciated? I have been diagnosed with a pituitary tumor. I am 27 years old married and wanting kids but I am looking at facing my pituitary removed. I have no idea what to expect from this. The doctor says that there is a new laser procedure out there that I can under go. But so far I dont like the whole Idea of it.

Answer: Pituitary tumors are tumors found in the pituitary gland, a small organ about the size of a pea in the center of the brain just above the back of the nose. The pituitary gland makes hormones that affect the growth and the functions of other glands in the body. Most pituitary tumors are benign. This means that they grow very slowly and do not spread to other parts of the body. Information about craniopharyngioma, another type pituitary tumor, can be found in another summary (refer to the PDQ summaries on Adult Brain Tumors Treatment and Childhood Brain Tumors Treatment for more information on craniopharyngioma). If a pituitary tumor is found, the pituitary gland may be making too many hormones. This can cause other problems in the body. Tumors that make hormones are called functioning tumors, while those that do not make hormones are called nonfunctioning tumors. Certain pituitary tumors can cause a disease called Cushing’s disease, in which too many hormones called glucocorticoids are released into the bloodstream. This causes fat to build up in the face, back, and chest, and the arms and legs to become very thin. Other symptoms include too much sugar in the blood, weak muscles and bones, a flushed face, and high blood pressure. Other pituitary tumors can cause a condition called acromegaly. Acromegaly means that the hands, feet, and face are larger than normal; in very young people, the whole body may grow much larger than normal. Another type of pituitary tumor can cause the breasts to make milk, even though a woman may not be pregnant; periods may stop as well. A doctor should be seen if there are symptoms such as: Headaches. Trouble seeing. Nausea or vomiting. Any of the symptoms caused by too many hormones. If there are symptoms, a doctor may order laboratory tests to see what the hormone levels are in the blood. The doctor may also order an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan, which uses magnetic waves to make a picture of the inside of the brain. Other special x-rays may also be done. The prognosis (chance of recovery) and choice of treatment depend on the type of tumor, and the patient’s age and general state of health. Stage Explanation Types of pituitary tumors Once a pituitary tumor is found, more tests will be done to find out how far the tumor has spread and whether or not it makes hormones. A doctor needs to know the type of tumor to plan treatment. The following types of pituitary tumors are found: ACTH-producing tumors These tumors make a hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal glands to make glucocorticoids. When the body makes too much ACTH, it causes Cushing’s disease. Prolactin-producing tumors These tumors make prolactin, a hormone that stimulates a woman’s breasts to make milk during and after pregnancy. Prolactin-secreting tumors can cause the breasts to make milk and menstrual periods to stop when a woman is not pregnant. In men, prolactin-producing tumors can cause impotence. Growth hormone-producing tumors These tumors make growth hormone, which can cause acromegaly or gigantism when too much is made. Nonfunctioning pituitary tumors Nonfunctioning tumors do not produce hormones. Recurrent pituitary tumors Recurrent disease means that the tumor has come back (recurred) after it has been treated. It may come back in the pituitary gland or in another part of the body. Treatment Option Overview How pituitary tumors are treated There are treatments for all patients with pituitary tumors. Three kinds of treatment are used: Surgery (taking out the tumor in an operation). Radiation therapy (using high-dose x-rays to kill tumor cells). Drug therapy. Surgery is a common treatment of pituitary tumors. A doctor may remove the tumor using one of the following operations: A transsphenoidal hypophysectomy removes the tumor through a cut in the nasal passage. A craniotomy removes the tumor through a cut in the front of the skull. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation for pituitary tumors usually comes from a machine outside the body (external radiation therapy). Radiation therapy may be used alone or in addition to surgery or drug therapy. Certain drugs can also block the pituitary gland from making too many hormones. Treatment by type Treatments for pituitary tumors depend on the type of tumor, how far the tumor has spread into the brain, and the patient’s age and overall health. Standard treatment may be considered because of its effectiveness in patients in past studies, or participation in a clinical trial may be considered. Not all patients are cured with standard therapy and some standard treatments may have more side effects than are desired. For these reasons, clinical trials are designed to find better ways to treat cancer patients and are based on the most up-to-date information. Clinical trials are ongoing in some parts of the country for patients with pituitary tumors. To learn more about clinical trials, call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237); TTY at 1-800-332-8615. ACTH-Producing Pituitary Tumors Treatment may be one of the following: Surgery to remove the tumor (transsphenoidal hypophysectomy or craniotomy Radiation therapy. Clinical trials may be testing new types of radiation therapy. Surgery plus radiation therapy. Radiation therapy plus drug therapy to stop the tumor from making ACTH. Prolactin-Producing Pituitary Tumors Treatment may be one of the following: Surgery to remove the tumor (transsphenoidal hypophysectomy or craniotomy). Radiation therapy. Surgery, radiation therapy, and drug therapy. Drug therapy to stop the tumor from making prolactin. Clinical trials are testing new drugs for this purpose. Growth Hormone-Producing Pituitary Tumors Treatment may be one of the following: Surgery to remove the tumor (transsphenoidal hypophysectomy or craniotomy). Radiation therapy. Drug therapy to stop the tumor from making growth hormone. Nonfunctioning Pituitary Tumors Treatment may be one of the following: Surgery to remove the tumor (transsphenoidal hypophysectomy or craniotomy). Radiation therapy alone or in addition to surgery.

Question: I want to know everything that anyone knows about pituitary tumors-I have looked at just about every web site. and I want to know first hand from personal experiences like what are the symptoms, treatments, and the pain involved in treatment. Thank you in advance for all answers.

Answer: Try looking under Cushings disease. Tumors in this location can sometimes affect vision, cause headaches and nausea in addition to sudden weight gain. Several tests are usually done before any type of surgery can be performed.

Question: What meds are used to treat pituitary tumors?

Answer: Bromocriptine. :)

Question: agent orange and pituitary tumors? My dad is a vietnam vet and was diagnosed with non - hodgkins lymphoma caused by agent orange. I was diagnosed with a pituitary tumor back in 95 and took medication which shrunk the tumor. I am now experiencing symptoms of the tumor again. I was recently told that a pituitary tumor can be related to and/or caused by agent orange. Any ideas? Thanks in advance for your help! I appreciate it!

Answer: i am getting out of the marines in 3 weeks. we got a class from the VA. check with them to see if you qualify to be covered with your medical bills. many of the diseases from that time that was pasted on genetically can be covered by the VA. never hurt to check. medical bills are silly these days. semper fi

Question: What is the main cause of a pituitary tumor? What is the main cause of a pituitary tumor? I was just diagnosed with one yesterday, after taking an mri about a week ago. I went in to take an mri because my hormone levels were way to high and they found the tumor, the doctors said that the tumor is the reason I gained 30 pounds in 2 and a half months and my periods stopped for about 8 months. I wanna know what the cause of it is?

Answer: The causes of pituitary tumors are unknown, although some are a part of a hereditary disorder called multiple endocrine neoplasia I (MEN I). About 15% of tumors in the skull are pituitary tumors. Most pituitary tumors are located in the anterior pituitary lobe and are usually noncancerous (benign). Pituitary tumors develop in about 20% of people, although many of the tumors do not cause symptoms and the condition is never diagnosed during the person's lifetime.

Question: Why do pituitary tumors cause nasal drainage?

Answer: Because it is all a part of your sinus cavity and system.

Question: How are tumors near and around the pituitary gland removed? List all surgical methods please.

Answer: Tumors of the pituitary gland are in a bony cup called the "sella turcica" which is located along the midline of the head, essentially straight back and slightly above the bridge of the nose. This anatomic location is surrounded by a number of stuctures that would be disasterous if injured during a surgical approach. The optic chiasm which is a central crossover point in the optic nerves, is located just in front of the pituitary, the cavernous sinus and the internal carotid arteries, which are major vascular structures, surround it to the front and sides, and the brainstem lies just behind it. Fortunately, there is one avenue of approach that is uniquely suited for pituitary surgery. This is from directly below. Pituitary tumors are removed surgically with excellent results and minimal discomfort to patients because just underneath the pituitary gland is a space called the sphenoid sinus. This is an air filled cavity that is in communication with the air spaces surrounding the nose. Surgical exposure of the pituitary gland and its tumors can be made by making an incision inside the mouth, behind the upper lip, and then entering into the nasal cavity. From this angle, the roof of the nasal cavity is exposed and the bone is opened there. Above this lies the sphenoid sinus. The roof of the sphenoid sinus is opened and on the other side lies the pituitary gland and any tumors within the sella turcica. Many of these tumors can be excised completely by way of this approach. The incision heals invisibly because it is within the mouth cavity. This is the modern approach to the pituitary gland. Other methods have been used in the past, but these were dramatically more invasive, more risky, and more difficult. Their results were intermixed with higher complication rates. The biggest impediment to success for the mordern "trans-sphenoidal" approach involves bulky tumors which extend up and out of the sella in a way that makes it difficult to obtain a complete tumor excision. Many tumors of the pituitary gland are "well circumscribed" meaning that they have smooth edges and can be peeled away from the surrounding normal tissue with relative ease. However, some of these tumors are truly invasive cancers and therefore a complete removal can be problematic. If you have specific questions about this procedure, or about types of tumors that arise from the pituitary, please feel free to contact me. I'd be happy to help with further information.

Question: QUICK...EASY 10 POINTS...PITUITARY TUMORS IN UNITED STATES? How many pituitary tumors are there in the US? I need the source also.

Answer: http://www.cancer.gov/statistics/ is about the ony place I know to get data like this.