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Pituitary tumor   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Tumor - pituitary

Treatment

Surgical treatment to remove the tumor may be done through the skull if the tumor is large and placing pressure on optic nerves. Transphenoidal resection (the tumor is accessed through the nose and sinuses) is a procedure used for smaller tumors. Radiation therapy may be used in combination with surgery, or for people who are poor surgical candidates. Certain medications may shrink certain types of tumors.

Prognosis

The probable outcome is fair to good depending upon the extent of tumor spread within brain structures.

Complications

Spread of the tumor to other brain structures can occur. Permanent hormonal imbalances can be caused either from the tumor itself or, after surgical resection of the tumor. This may require hormone replacement therapy.

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Call your health care provider if symptoms of a pituitary tumor develop.

Ency. home > Disease > P > Pituitary tumor

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