How much does a pituitary tumor grow in a year?

Written by Gao Yi Shen
Neurosurgery
Updated on January 24, 2025
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At present, in clinical practice, there is no evidence to show how much a pituitary tumor can grow in a year, because the specific pathological nature of pituitary tumors varies, the overall health status of an individual differs, as well as whether a corresponding disease mechanism has developed, and whether regular treatment has been administered. These factors definitely influence the pituitary tumor. For some benign or non-functioning pituitary tumors, the growth is very slow after certain treatments, and they will not recur or grow after surgical intervention. However, sometimes, malignant pituitary tumors can grow very quickly within a year, significantly affecting the surrounding nerve tissues due to compression. Therefore, it is crucial to have regular follow-ups or seek early treatment if a pituitary tumor is present, as this is the best approach to treatment.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Is a pituitary tumor easy to treat?

Our current understanding of pituitary tumors is quite deep, and we have accumulated rich treatment experience in the pathogenesis, disease progression, and treatment of pituitary tumors. Therefore, it is recommended to use surgical methods for pituitary tumor patients, especially those with obvious symptoms. Clinically, it is generally recommended to choose the transnasal-transsphenoidal approach for a complete resection of the pituitary tumor. For most patients, this can achieve good therapeutic effects. Moreover, with the continuous advancement of diagnostic techniques, early detection and treatment of small early pituitary microadenomas through complete surgical resection can also achieve good therapeutic outcomes.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Is a pituitary tumor easy to treat?

Currently, the treatment technology for pituitary tumors is relatively mature. For early-stage pituitary microadenomas that are only a few millimeters in size, and where vision and visual fields are not yet affected, a definite diagnosis can be made. Under the surgical microscope, complete removal surgery is achievable, and it is possible to preserve the normal function of the pituitary gland. As surgical experience continues to increase, not only can tumors within the sella be removed, but even large adenomas or giant pituitary adenomas growing above the sella can be safely excised. Therefore, for patients with pituitary tumors, it is advisable to choose to visit a local hospital as early as possible and opt for a complete removal of the pituitary tumor through a transnasal transsphenoidal approach.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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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 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.

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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.