What to do if a pituitary tumor recurs?

Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on September 04, 2024
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If a pituitary tumor recurs, there is no need to worry excessively. Instead, it is advisable to actively visit the local hospital for a cranial MRI with contrast to determine the specific location and severity of the recurrent pituitary tumor. Treatment plans should be decided based on the patient's condition. For patients who are eligible for surgery, it is recommended to opt for surgical removal of the pituitary tumor again. If the patient is elderly and frail and cannot withstand surgery, conservative treatment is recommended. Treatment can be carried out through medication or radiation therapy, among other methods, to help improve symptoms and enhance the quality of life.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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How to treat pituitary tumors?

Currently, the treatment of pituitary tumors can generally be conducted through various methods such as surgery, medication, and radiation therapy. The specific choice of treatment for a patient depends on the patient's individual circumstances, including factors such as gender, age, the current size of the pituitary tumor, whether there is damage to other vital organs, and the patient's overall condition. For most symptomatic patients, surgery is usually recommended. Clinically, it is generally recommended to choose transnasal transsphenoidal surgery for complete removal, which often achieves very good therapeutic effects. However, for some pituitary tumors located in special positions where complete surgical removal is not achievable, radiation therapy or Gamma Knife surgery can be used in conjunction.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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What is a pituitary tumor?

Pituitary tumors refer to a type of benign tumor that occurs at the site of the pituitary fossa. Generally, they grow relatively slowly. In the early stages of the disease, there are usually no obvious symptoms or signs. Some patients may occasionally feel mild headaches or dizziness, which most can tolerate. As the size of the pituitary tumor gradually increases, it often affects the surrounding critical tissues, nerves, and organs, primarily impacting pituitary function, thereby leading to pituitary hypofunction. This affects the secretion of endocrine hormones in the body, causing abnormal secretion of endocrine hormones, and resulting in a series of symptoms and signs. For example, male patients may experience abnormalities in the secretion of male hormones, leading to difficulties with erection, while female patients are likely to experience menstrual disorders and irregular menstruation.

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Neurosurgery
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Postoperative complications of pituitary tumor surgery

For patients with pituitary tumors, a range of complications, sequelae, or concomitant ailments can easily occur after surgery. For instance, postoperative sellar hematoma may occur, and some patients may even experience the rupture of a pseudoaneurysm. Additionally, some patients may repeatedly suffer from headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and weakness in the limbs after surgery, along with significant memory decline, reduced cognitive function—including calculating ability, and orientation in time, space, and person—gradually diminishing. These are considered postoperative sequelae of pituitary tumor surgery.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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What should not be eaten with pituitary tumors?

For patients with pituitary tumors, it is advisable to be cautious about their diet in daily life. Try to avoid eating foods that are overly greasy, spicy, or irritating. It’s also best to limit or avoid consuming foods rich in cholesterol, carbohydrates, or fried foods. Additionally, women should avoid taking hormonal medications, especially short-acting hormonal drugs, as they can disrupt existing endocrine hormone balances, exacerbate symptoms, and lead to an increase in the size of the pituitary tumor. Furthermore, in daily life, avoid eating foods that may cause allergies, such as seafood products.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Is a pituitary tumor serious?

Pituitary tumors are mostly benign. The tumors grow slowly, but due to their special location adjacent to the pituitary gland, when the size of the pituitary tumor increases to a certain extent, it will inevitably affect the pituitary, impairing its function and leading to pituitary dysfunction. This dysfunction manifests as endocrine hormonal imbalances, resulting in a series of symptoms and signs. Therefore, it is usually recommended to treat pituitary tumors surgically. Clinically, it is generally advised to choose the transnasal transsphenoidal approach for complete resection of the pituitary tumor.