Which types of pituitary tumors require surgical removal

When it comes to cancer, everyone is afraid of it. But what about pituitary tumors? Do pituitary tumors require surgery? Or which types of pituitary tumors must be removed surgically? Maybe everyone has more or less confusion and questions about this. Today, we will introduce to you which types of pituitary tumors require surgical removal.

There are many types of pituitary tumors, such as prolactin-secreting pituitary tumors and growth hormone-secreting pituitary tumors. These two types are the most well-researched and can be treated with drugs and combined with surgery. The postoperative effect and drug effect are very ideal. What about other types of pituitary adenomas? Do pituitary tumors need auxiliary treatments, such as gamma knife, radiotherapy, chemotherapy...

1: Except for functional pituitary tumors (prolactin type and growth hormone type, as well as ACTH adenomas), the vast majority of pituitary tumors are non-functional pituitary tumors, which are generally treated with surgery. Currently, the most common surgery is transsphenoidal pituitary tumor resection, which is usually performed with a neuroendoscope or microscope and is a minimally invasive surgery. The patient recovers quickly and can get out of bed on the same day and can be discharged from the hospital 3-5 days after the operation. For large adenomas, or huge invasive pituitary tumors, transsphenoidal surgery is sometimes not possible and requires craniotomy. The surgical effect of pituitary tumors is currently highly effective and has a low recurrence rate, but it requires a neurosurgeon with certain experience.

2. If there is some residual tumor after tumor resection, generally the tumor does not need to be completely removed by craniotomy. Gamma knife treatment can be appropriately chosen to inhibit the growth of part of the tumor, but it must be appropriate.

What about other treatments? So far, no chemotherapy is used in the treatment of pituitary tumors.

The treatment of pituitary tumors has become increasingly sophisticated in recent years, and the incidence rate has also tended to increase. In many cases, they are discovered in relevant departments. I have seen some patients who were recommended by ophthalmologists to have a head MRI, and by gynecologists to have a head CT scan to discover the tumor.

We must be clear about one thing, that is, pituitary tumors are benign tumors. It is not terrible to be sick. With a clear diagnosis, correct guidance and comprehensive treatment, the standard of cure can be achieved. At present, the mortality rate of pituitary adenoma itself is very low, and it is usually caused by complications or fatal postoperative sequelae. So please rest assured, patients and friends, under the treatment of experienced neurosurgeons, it is completely possible to reach the level of ordinary people. I hope this article will be helpful to everyone.