What is a large pituitary adenoma?

What is a large pituitary adenoma?

Large pituitary tumors — those measuring about 1 centimeter (slightly less than a half-inch) or larger — are known as macroadenomas. Smaller tumors are called microadenomas. Because of the size of macroadenomas, they can put pressure on the normal pituitary gland and nearby structures.

What is the largest pituitary tumor?

Pituitary adenomas with a diameter ≥ 4 cm are the giant adenomas, accounting for about 5% of the pituitary adenomas[2–5]. Because of complexity in dissection of the sellar area, surgical treatment of giant pituitary adenomas is difficult.

When does a pituitary adenoma require surgery?

The amount of tumor shrinkage is usually modest, approximately 20% to 30% shrinkage. In patients with a large tumor, surgery is recommended as the first treatment to remove as much as possible with medical treatment afterward if there is continued excessive growth hormone production.

Is enlarged pituitary gland serious?

Enlargement of the pituitary gland is when a normal pituitary gland becomes bigger in size for some reason. The change in size can cause your pituitary gland to make too much or too little of certain hormones. A large pituitary may also push on the nerves that connect your eyes to your brain and cause vision problems.

Can a pituitary tumor change your personality?

Personality changes are also common when a pituitary tumour causes the pituitary gland to over- or under-produce hormones. This can affect your emotions and cause changes in your sex drive. Larger tumours can have a greater effect on personality, as they generally affect a greater area of the brain.

How do you treat a Microadenoma?

In most cases, a microadenoma can be cured with endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. In this procedure, a neurosurgeon reaches the tumor through the nasal passages and sphenoid sinus. Gamma Knife radiosurgery, which uses targeted beams of radiation to destroy the tumor, is another option.

What is the recovery time from pituitary tumor removal?

For the first few weeks after surgery, you may feel tired, have a headache, or slight nasal congestion, but these symptoms should gradually improve. And within 2 weeks, you should be back to your normal daily activities, including work. Removing a pituitary tumor may cause abnormal hormone levels.

What is the prognosis for a pituitary tumor?

The prognosis for a pituitary tumor is generally good if the tumor and the hormones it may be secreting in excess and the destructive effects of the tumor on the endocrine function of the pituitary can be controlled.

How can common pituitary tumors have huge health effects?

When the tumor is big enough, it may cause headaches and vision problems. Large pituitary tumors can crush normal pituitary cells. This leads to symptoms caused by decreased hormone production. These benign tumors are also common. They make too much prolactin.