What Are Pituitary Tumors?
Pituitary tumors, also known as pituitary adenomas, are benign growths located in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. While they are non-cancerous, these tumors can lead to significant health issues by affecting hormone levels or exerting pressure on surrounding structures.
Types of Pituitary Tumors
Pituitary tumors can be classified based on their activity. Some are hormone-secreting, leading to conditions like acromegaly or Cushing’s disease, while others remain silent without causing hormonal imbalances. Treatment strategies vary depending on these characteristics.
When is Surgery Necessary?
Surgery is not always the first line of treatment for pituitary tumors. It becomes necessary when the tumor is large, affects vision by pressing on the optic nerves, or fails to respond to medication. In cases like acromegaly or Cushing’s disease, surgery is often required due to the serious health implications of excessive hormone production.
Treatment Options
For some pituitary tumors, especially prolactinomas, medication is the preferred treatment. Small, symptom-free tumors may only require regular monitoring. The decision to proceed with surgery is made after a comprehensive evaluation, including MRI scans and hormonal assessments.
The Surgical Approach
When surgery is indicated, Dr. Kalyan Bommakanti, in collaboration with ENT surgeon Dr. Vyshnavi Bommakanti, performs endoscopic transnasal surgery. This minimally invasive approach involves accessing the tumor through the nose, avoiding the need for a skull incision, and typically results in a quicker recovery.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Each patient’s treatment plan is tailored to their specific needs, considering the type of tumor and overall health. The decision for surgery is made with careful consideration of all factors, ensuring the best possible outcome for the patient.
Read more: the full Pituitary Adenoma patient guide & video library — videos on symptoms, surgery and recovery.
📱 Have an MRI or a diagnosis? WhatsApp Dr. Kalyan’s team on 85200 03683 for an appointment.
More videos on this topic: Surgery vs Medication →