What testing should i request?

[michelle4545]

Hello everyone!

I am new to the group and have a few questions. I have been suffering from hypothyroidism for over a year now. My MRI showed a 3x3 mm pituitary microadenoma. I also have a 3 mm lobe cyst on my thyroid. I am going to a pituitary center and am scheduled to see an Endo. I should plays these numbers!!

Questions: 1. What type of testing should the dr. be ordering?
                  2. Any testing that you recommend that I ask for?

I already had a prolactin level done, which came back normal. The problems I am having are terrible joint pain in both my thumbs, both big toes, hips, and fatigue etc. Thyroid meds have helped a little.

Any advise would greatly be appreciated. Many thanks in advance.  

[michelle4545]

My bad. It was performed with contrast. The paper says- CONTRAST: 10 ml of OptiMARK gadolinium contrast IV. Thank you rumpled, this is exactly what I was looking for.

[rumpled]

I would guess they will not repeat the MRI due to cost as your tumor already showed up, but hopefully your next one will be dynamic.

Usually they do not order CTs scans for pituitary - the lesions are too small to show up.

Baseline testing would be all pituitary hormones - TSH, ACTH, ADH (not usually depends on symptoms), LH, FSH, PRL and then the hormones that respond in the loops like estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, T3, T4 (free is best IMHO). and then others like vitamin D, glucose and the normal CMP panel which covers lipids and all. 8am fasting is best. Get copies.

[queenofhearts316]

You should be asking for another mri but this time a dynamic one(it shows abnormalities clearer). You also should be tested for all hormones through bloodwork. CT scans will be what they offer first, but CT scans cause a lot of radition and where you have a growth I would recommend the safe MRI instead. Are they going to remove the tumour soon?