Pituitary Adenoma
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
A pituitary adenoma is a benign (not cancer) tumor found in your pituitary. The pituitary is a small gland in your brain that makes hormones to control other organs and tissues in your body. A pituitary adenoma can put pressure on nearby nerves and brain tissue. A pituitary adenoma can also release high levels of hormones that affect how other organs and tissues work.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Informed consent
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
Medicines:
Medicines are given to decrease the levels of hormones that are too high.
Tests:
- Blood tests are done to measure hormone levels and get information about your overall health.
- A 24 hour urine test is done to check the amount of hormone in your urine. You will need to collect all your urine for 1 day. Healthcare providers will give you a container to hold your urine and keep it cold.
- A CT or MRI will show the size and location of the pituitary adenoma. You may be given contrast dye to help the tumor show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast dye. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
Treatment:
- Surgery is done to remove or decrease the size of the pituitary adenoma.
- Radiation therapy or radiosurgery uses high energy x-ray beams to kill tumor cells and decrease the size of the tumor.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
RISKS:
Surgery increases your risk for bleeding, infection, and injury to nerves or blood vessels in your brain. Surgery may also increase your risk for headaches, memory loss, or loss of feeling in parts of your body. Radiation therapy may injure tissue near the tumor. Treatment may cause your pituitary to stop making certain hormones, and you may need to take hormones to increase your levels.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Pituitary Adenoma
Treatment options
Care guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
