The pituitary gland is a small piece of gland attached to an area at the base of the brain (hypothalamus) by a stalk (the pituitary stalk). It is the center of hormonal control of the entire body. (Master of the endocrine orchestra)
Anterior Lobe
ACTH-> Corticosterone -> Physical integrity coping with stress
TSH-> Thyroid hormonal -> Metabolic hemostasis
GH-> somatomedins-> Growth
LH-> Female sex hormones-> reproductive cycle
FSH-> Female sex hormones-> reproductive cycle
PRL->Milk production
Posterior Lobe
ADH->Water and salt balance
OXYTOCIN-> childbirth
Pituitary adenomas are tumors of the pituitary gland. They all of two types functioning and non- functioning
Symptoms of a pituitary tumor are
2. Visual disorder loss of vision on both sides of visual field
3.Other symptoms
MRI is the gold standard of diagnosis. It shows the size of the tumor as well as how much the tumor has affected the surrounding structure. CT head and paranasal sinuses are sometimes used to show pituitary tumors by enlargement of sellar bone.
Though the exact cause of pituitary adenoma is not known both environmental and genetic factors play a role. There are certain cases where tumors run in families.
Medical, surgical, and radiation treatment are available for pituitary tumors. Prolactinomas can be treated with medicines. Surgery is indicated if medical treatment is not tolerated. Acromegaly requires surgery, as drug acrotide is not so effective. Cushing disease requires surgery, radiation & medical treatment.
For non-functioning pituitary adenoma surgery is the first line of treatment.
Surgery for pituitary tumors can be done by the conventional transsphenoidal route, through the opening of the skull or the endoscope. An endoscope is a pen-shaped instrument that acts as a camera inside the nose. It replaces the bulky operating microscope It also provides a panoramic view of the pituitary gland and tumor interface. No, no lip, nasal, or scalp incision is made.
If left untreated it grows in size and causes further deterioration in symptoms. In certain cases, it may lead to death.
For a week before surgery, you may be placed on nasal sprays and certain decongestant medication. If you are suffering from sinusitis, you may require antibiotics.
Endoscopic endonasal excision pituitary adenoma Surgery for pituitary tumor can be done by conventional transsphenoidal route, though the opening of the skull or through the endoscope. An endoscope is a pen-shaped instrument that acts as a cannula inside the nose It replaces the bulky operating microscope. It also provides a panoramic view of the pituitary gland and tumor interface. No lip, nasal, or scalp incision is required.
There are risks and complications with this procedure. They include but are not limited to the following.
These problems may require medication. Admission, in ICU rest or further surgery
Uncommon risks and complications include: