How Are Pituitary Tumors Treated?

It depends on the type of tumor and how far it has invaded into the brain, as well as the patient’s age and overall health. Three kinds of treatment are used: surgery (removing the tumor during an operation), radiation therapy (using high-dose x-rays/proton...

Where Do I Go To Get Tested?

It is important to go to a hospital with a Neuroendocrine Unit or Pituitary Testing Facility, preferably both. (This may necessitate plane travel, but it would be worth every penny.) Pituitary blood tests can be very complicated and must be performed by specially...

What Is The Pituitary?

The pituitary is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain that functions as “The Master Gland.” From its lofty position above the rest of the body it sends signals to the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, ovaries and testes, directing them to...

Why Are Pituitary Disorders So Hard To Diagnose?

Pituitary disorders can cause a wide spectrum of symptoms, both hormonal and neurological, due to its location near the brain, the intracranial nerves and blood vessels and because of the vital hormonal control that the gland provides. Diagnosis of pituitary disease...

Is Pituitary Tumor Surgery Risky?

Surgery is a common treatment, and it is almost always successful IF performed by a skilled and specialized neurosurgeon. The smaller the tumor, the greater the chance the surgery will be successful. Large tumors that grow upward (into the nerves that mediate vision)...