Treatment of pituitary tumors

Treatments for pituitary tumors mainly include medication, surgery, and radiotherapy, and the specific choice depends on the tumor type, size, and patient symptoms. Common medications include cabergoline, bromocriptine, and octreotide; surgical treatments include transsphenoidal surgery, craniotomy, and endoscopic surgery; and radiotherapy is suitable for residual or recurrent cases after surgery.

1. Drug treatment

Drug therapy is a common method for pituitary tumors, especially for functional pituitary tumors. Cabergoline is a dopamine receptor agonist commonly used to treat prolactinomas. It can effectively inhibit prolactin secretion and reduce tumor size. Bromocriptine is also used for prolactinomas to relieve symptoms and improve fertility. Octreotide is used for somatotropinomas to relieve symptoms by inhibiting growth hormone secretion. Drug treatment requires long-term adherence, and regular monitoring of hormone levels and tumor changes.

2. Surgical treatment

Surgery is the main treatment for pituitary tumors, especially for patients with large tumors or those compressing surrounding tissues. Transsphenoidal surgery is currently the most commonly used minimally invasive surgery. It enters the sphenoid sinus through the nasal cavity to remove the tumor, with minimal trauma and quick recovery. Craniotomy is suitable for cases with large tumors or special locations, but it has higher risks. Endoscopic surgery combines the characteristics of minimal invasion and precision, which can observe the tumor more clearly and reduce damage to surrounding tissues. Hormone levels and complications need to be closely monitored after surgery.

3. Radiation therapy

Radiotherapy is often used for patients with residual or recurrent pituitary tumors after surgery, and can also be used as an alternative for patients who cannot undergo surgery. Traditional radiotherapy uses external beams to irradiate the tumor, but it may cause damage to surrounding normal tissue. Stereotactic radiosurgery such as the Gamma Knife can accurately locate the tumor and reduce damage to surrounding tissue. The effects of radiotherapy usually take months or even years to appear, and regular follow-up is required during this period.

The treatment of pituitary tumors requires a personalized plan based on the patient's specific situation. Drug therapy, surgical treatment, and radiotherapy each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Early diagnosis and standardized treatment are the key to improving prognosis. Patients should actively cooperate with doctors for treatment and undergo regular checkups to ensure that the disease is effectively controlled.