Can a Pituitary Tumor return after having surgery to remove it

[js4857]

My sister had a pituitary tumor back in the late 80's and went to see a specialist in Evanston, IL.  They now are thinking it might have returned.  Can that be possible?

[toyachin]

I have high prolactin as in prolactinoma an taking parodel and it makes ne sick very bad taking UT from 09on and off that pill makes me real sick that I can't work gives me panicattacks si I stop am in a new meds bow called Norprolac they says he works better so for on its way better only have stuffy nose at night an due for a orolactin blood test in a week hoping and praying this pill is working.  . Silo u know that pill anyone?

[Daniel M Prevedello, MD]

Dear js4857,

Pituitary tumors can return statistically around 10% of the cases when a complete resection was performed or remission was obtained for functional tumors.
They do need periodic follow up due to this chance of recurrence factor.

Thank you

[rumpled]

I only see what is above - but I do hope all turns out OK for your sister.

[js4857]

thank you for your comment.  i sent you another message and not sure i posted it correct.  hope you receive it.

[rumpled]

I am a patient like yourself. I has mine return too - and know several people who had theirs return, sadly.
Pituitary patients should have some sort of monitoring by blood tests and an MRI once in a while (depending on history) for the rest of their lives. Depending on the type of tumor, the risk of it returning differs. For instance, I had two separate types of tumors - prolactinoma and Cushing's. My prolactinoma did not grow back but my Cushing's tumor did.

I hope your sister sees a great neuro-endo and has a wonder, very very experienced neuro-surgeon (as in more than 500 surgeries). Experience makes for a better/best outcome in surgery (unless the anatomy of the tumor is complex).