Pituitary Tumors:

The pituitary gland although small by size is responsible for many functions that keep us alive and well. The gland itself sits in the sella turcica and is connected to the hypothalamus by the pituitary stalk. Above it lies the optic apparatus and chiasma and to either side is the cavernous sinus housing cranial nerves (III, IV, V and VI) with the carotid arteries. The pituitary gland has an anterior lobe and a posterior lobe that release a total of 8 hormones of which 6 come from the anterior lobe.

The pituitary gland can be affected by processes which either increase or decrease pituitary hormones or, by compression on the pituitary gland by masses or processes which interrupt its blood supply.

There are medical methods of evaluating the pituitary function and because of its proximity to the visual apparatus visual testing is often done. CT scans, MRI/MRA and angiography are all used in specific situations for evaluation of pituitary tumors. The classification systems for pituitary tumors are many but size (micro vs. macro adenoma), and whether the tumor is functioning or nonfunctioning aid in the treatment plan for patients. Treatment can include observation, medicines to decrease the overproduction of hormones, various surgical approaches depending upon the size and symptoms and various forms of radiation including fractionated radiation and/or SRS using Gamma Knife.

Thorough evaluation by a neurosurgeon, ophthalmologist and endocrinologist are the initial steps to diagnosis and treatment.