Guide To Treating Pituitary Tumors

A pituitary tumor occurs when an abnormal mass of tissue grows in the pituitary gland. These tumors can affect the hormone regulation of the pituitary gland. They may cause it to produce too many or too few hormones. The majority of pituitary tumors are not cancerous. These growths are called adenomas. They will stay inside the pituitary gland or the tissues around the pituitary gland, instead of spreading to other areas.

There are several pituitary tumor treatments out there, including medications for pituitary tumors. Surgery for pituitary tumors is another option. Natural remedies for pituitary tumors are only supportive treatments. One example may be acupuncture for pituitary tumors. Ultimately, the best treatment for pituitary tumors depends on how the tumor is impacting the patient's daily life, and if the tumor is cancerous. Thus, understanding the options to treat pituitary tumors is vital.

Craniotomy

A craniotomy is a surgical procedure that is typically used to remove a tumor from the pituitary gland. It may also be used to treat abscesses, aneurysms, brain tumors, and traumatic brain injuries. A craniotomy may also be used to treat hemorrhage. A trained neurosurgeon performs this type of procedure. Patients who undergo the procedure are typically given a general anesthetic.

A surgeon will remove a portion of the patient's skull to expose the pituitary gland when treating a tumor. They are then able to excise the pituitary tumor. Surgeons may do so in its entirety or remove as much as possible without causing brain damage. Before the surgery, the surgeon will shave part of the patient's scalp to make the incision. They will drill a hole precisely above the pituitary tumor and then remove a flap of bone. After the surgeon has removed the tumor, they will replace the flap with wires, screws, or plates.

Continue reading to reveal additional options for treating a pituitary tumor now.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Most doctors will recommend treating the effects of the pituitary tumor with medication. However, stereotactic radiosurgery is recommended if medication cannot control the tumor or if the tumor is likely to grow. This is radiation therapy that does not require invasive surgical procedures. It is sometimes preferred to traditional therapy because it requires fewer doses for the same level of efficacy.

This procedure allows for one to five doses of focused radiation to be administered to a pituitary tumor. It is a popular option for tumors that cannot be removed completely through surgery. It may also be used on tumors that tend to recur after surgery. Different methods can be used to administer stereotactic radiosurgery. One is by using a linear accelerator. The radiation can also be given using a surgical tool called a gamma knife.

Get more information on how to treat pituitary tumors now.