Is a pituitary tumor scary?

Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on September 13, 2024
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For pituitary tumors, if not treated promptly and effectively, the continuous enlargement of the tumor often causes patients to experience recurring symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Additionally, a series of endocrine hormone imbalances accompanying the tumor often manifest various symptoms and signs. When the pituitary tumor grows to a certain size, it can also potentially cause pituitary apoplexy. Therefore, it is advisable for patients with pituitary tumors to seek timely medical attention at local hospitals and undergo early surgical treatment. By opting for endonasal transsphenoidal surgery to completely remove the pituitary tumor, most patients can achieve very good treatment outcomes, with a gradual alleviation of existing symptoms.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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What to do if a pituitary tumor recurs?

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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Pituitary tumor should see which department?

For pituitary tumors in the brain, it is generally recommended to seek treatment in neurosurgery. It is advised to choose a well-known neurosurgical hospital locally, or the neurosurgery department of a top-tier hospital, and consult with an experienced surgeon. The diagnosis should be further clarified based on the patient's symptoms, signs, and combined with cranial CT, cranial MRI, including enhanced MRI scans. Often, it is also necessary to test the levels of endocrine hormones in the patient's blood for a comprehensive assessment. Once confirmed as a pituitary tumor, clinically, it is advised that surgery is the best treatment option. Most patients gradually experience relief from their original symptoms after undergoing surgery.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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How long should one rest after pituitary tumor surgery?

For patients who have undergone pituitary tumor surgery, it is recommended that they rest for at least about six months. During this initial post-operative period, patients should be placed in an intensive care unit to monitor vital signs, with a focus on consciousness, pupils, awareness, and limb activity, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood oxygen saturation. Once the patient's condition stabilizes, they can be transferred to a regular ward for continued treatment. Patients should not engage in early ambulation to prevent complications such as cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea. During the recovery period, rest should be prioritized, and strenuous physical activity should be avoided. At the same time, appropriate nutritional support should be strengthened. Generally, with about six months of rest, the body will gradually recover.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
50sec home-news-image

Is a pituitary tumor scary?

For pituitary tumors, if not treated promptly and effectively, the continuous enlargement of the tumor often causes patients to experience recurring symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Additionally, a series of endocrine hormone imbalances accompanying the tumor often manifest various symptoms and signs. When the pituitary tumor grows to a certain size, it can also potentially cause pituitary apoplexy. Therefore, it is advisable for patients with pituitary tumors to seek timely medical attention at local hospitals and undergo early surgical treatment. By opting for endonasal transsphenoidal surgery to completely remove the pituitary tumor, most patients can achieve very good treatment outcomes, with a gradual alleviation of existing symptoms.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
41sec home-news-image

Is pituitary tumor surgery done under general anesthesia?

For patients with pituitary tumors, general anesthesia is typically recommended for surgery. Clinically, a combined inhalational and intravenous anesthesia approach is adopted for treatment. Before surgery, anesthesia induction is carried out to stabilize the patient, who then undergoes tracheal intubation for general combined anesthesia. As the surgery nears completion, appropriate medication may be used to help shorten the anesthesia process. After the surgery is fully completed, the patient is transferred to the recovery room. Once the anesthetic drugs are gradually metabolized and consciousness returns to clarity, the tracheal tube is effectively removed.