Which department should I go to for a pituitary tumor?

Written by Guo Zhi Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on March 26, 2025
00:00
00:00

Pituitary tumors are a relatively common type of benign intracranial tumor. The main treatment method is surgical intervention, and patients usually see a neurosurgeon for this. The surgical approach can be minimally invasive, performed through the nasal cavity, and typically, complete removal of the tumor is achievable with a generally good prognosis. However, there is a type of pituitary adenoma called prolactinoma, which is sensitive to bromocriptine. It can be treated with bromocriptine without surgery, leading to a significant reduction or even disappearance of the tumor. Nevertheless, medication should be guided by a neurosurgeon, and it is still necessary to visit the neurosurgery department.

Other Voices

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

Can pituitary tumors cause headaches?

For patients with pituitary tumors, headaches may occur. Most patients in the early stages often experience mild headaches located behind the eye sockets, the forehead, and on both sides of the temporal area. These headaches are generally tolerable and occur intermittently. They are mostly caused by the stimulation of the tumor or the increased pressure inside the sella. When the tumor enlarges to a certain extent and breaks upward through the diaphragm sellae, headaches are often alleviated. However, if the tumor further grows into surrounding tissues, it might compress important blood vessels and nerves, resulting in recurring pain with increasing severity.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
45sec home-news-image

What should I do about a pituitary tumor?

When a pituitary tumor occurs, we generally recommend surgery as the treatment method. Of course, specific analysis should be done based on the individual circumstances of the patient before surgery. In cases where the tumor is small and there are no obvious clinical symptoms—discovered incidentally during other related examinations—such patients can temporarily take medication and should be closely monitored with regular follow-ups to observe any changes in their condition. However, for patients who have clear clinical symptoms and display endocrine hormone imbalances, such as men experiencing significant erectile dysfunction and women having menstrual disorders, surgery is generally recommended as the treatment method.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
40sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
47sec home-news-image

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.

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

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.