What is a Pituitary Tumor & How is it Treated?

The possibility of a brain tumor can be a concerning development for anyone. However, much like any other health condition, the neurosurgeons here at Georgia Brain & Spine Center believe that education and communication can work wonders to help our patients understand the threat potential tumors pose and how they can be effectively treated. In this blog post, we wanted to zoom in even further and discuss a specific type of brain tumor known as a pituitary tumor.

The pituitary gland is a small gland found inside a person’s skull, just below the brain and above the nasal passages. It is considered the master gland of the body since it is responsible for secreting the hormones that control other glands. Pituitary tumors are irregular growths that develop in the pituitary gland. In some cases, a pituitary tumor can cause the pituitary gland to produce too much or too little of certain hormones. The large majority of pituitary tumors are benign (noncancerous) growths known as adenomas that do not spread to other parts of the body.

Despite being benign, pituitary tumors can still cause troubling symptoms and health effects in some people if left untreated. Common symptoms of pituitary tumors include headaches and changes in vision. Additionally, other effects associated with hormonal changes like nausea, weakness, unintended weight fluctuation, and menstrual irregularity in women may occur.

Determining the right treatment plan for your needs depends on what we find during our testing which includes a comprehensive neurological examination, ophthalmological evaluation, focused imaging studies (such as an MRI), and lab work. Once this is done and a diagnosis has been made, we can discuss potential treatment options. These may include close observation for tumors that do not affect hormone production. When a pituitary tumor does affect the hormones, we may recommend oral medication or surgical intervention. For some people, traditional surgery or a non-invasive approach with Cyberknife Radiosurgery may be appropriate.

We understand that every patient’s needs and preferences are different. That’s why we work hard to offer as many potential treatment options as possible for conditions like pituitary tumors. If you have any additional questions about this condition, or if you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our neurosurgeons, please contact Georgia Brain & Spine Center at 1 (800) GO-SPINE to schedule a consultation with Dr. Elias Dagnew or Dr. Michael Hartman. We are available for second opinions as well. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for additional blog posts, practice updates, and more.