Is a pituitary tumor serious?

Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on September 23, 2024
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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.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Is a 2cm pituitary tumor big?

In the case of pituitary tumors, if the size reaches two centimeters, it is relatively large. Under normal circumstances, pituitary tumors can be classified into several types based on their size: microadenomas are generally smaller than one centimeter, macroadenomas are larger than 1.0 centimeter, and giant adenomas are larger than 3.0 centimeters. Usually, a two-centimeter pituitary tumor is already considered a macroadenoma. Normally, such large pituitary tumors often compress the surrounding pituitary tissue, causing hypofunction of the pituitary tissue and significant hormonal disturbances, which can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms and signs in patients.

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Neurosurgery
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Can pituitary tumors be cured?

Currently, for the treatment of pituitary tumors, it is generally recommended in clinical practice to opt for a complete resection via a transnasal-transsphenoidal approach. Most patients can achieve good therapeutic outcomes through surgery. The main goals of surgically treating pituitary tumors are to remove the tumor, decompress the visual pathways, and help restore and maintain the function of the pituitary and other neurological functions. Most patients can achieve good therapeutic results after treatment. Additionally, after receiving treatment, patients' original symptoms gradually alleviate or even disappear, and no longer worsen. Therefore, from this perspective, it is recommended that all symptomatic pituitary tumor patients should timely seek medical consultation at local hospitals and receive early treatment.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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How is a pituitary tumor caused?

At present, there is no definitive conclusion on how pituitary tumors are formed and further developed. Clinically, it is mostly believed to be the result of a combination of congenital genetic factors and adverse environmental factors acquired later in life. For patients with pituitary tumors, they are often seen in some special familial genetic diseases. In the family medical history, a tendency for a higher accumulation of family members can be observed. Additionally, some pituitary tumor patients are also found in clear familial genetic endocrine diseases. Moreover, patients who are overworked, fatigued, under stress, and experience endocrine hormone disorders are also affected. Exposure to radioactive contamination and chemical carcinogens can also potentially lead to pituitary tumors.

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The difference between pituitary tumors and pituitary adenomas

The difference between a pituitary tumor and a pituitary adenoma mainly lies in the extent of the affected tissue involved. Generally, pituitary tumors may have a broader range than pituitary adenomas, meaning that pituitary tumors include pituitary adenomas. Normally, a pituitary adenoma specifically refers to tumors occurring in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, as this lobe primarily consists of glandular tissue. Meanwhile, the posterior lobe of the pituitary is mainly neurohypophysis. Therefore, tumors typically referred to as pituitary adenomas occur in the anterior lobe. If a tumor is in the posterior lobe, it cannot be called a pituitary adenoma, but it still falls under the category of pituitary tumors.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Is pituitary tumor surgery dangerous?

For patients with pituitary tumors, undergoing pituitary tumor surgery carries certain risks. The main risks are due to the important blood vessels, nerves, and various crucial structures around the pituitary tumor. Careless maneuvers during the surgery may damage these important organs or affect the surrounding crucial blood vessels, leading to potentially fatal massive bleeding. Additionally, some common surgical risks may also exist, such as anesthesia accidents, postoperative intracranial infections, cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, and other conditions. Therefore, for pituitary tumor patients, it is necessary to prepare thoroughly for the surgery and make a comprehensive assessment of the patient's overall condition before the procedure.