MRI Results- Pituitary tumour

Hi I've had a pituatary tumour (prolactinoma) since i was 19, (I'm 28 now). I'm been on and off treatment for years due to loss of medical insurance. I recently got an MRI done about 2 weeks ago, and just picked up the results. I have a follow up appt aug 17th with doctor, but as i always do..i read the report to get a sneak preview. A precious mri done a little over 2 years ago resulted in a 1 mm lesion on left side of pituitary gland. The current MRI report is as follows:

IMPRESSION: Hypointense area in the left posterior aspect of the pituitary gland approx. 4 x4x6 mm with no suparsellar extension and no involvement of cavernous sinus, sphenoid sinus or clivus. the sella turcica is not enlarged and there is no suprasellar activity

FINDINGS: Overveiw of the whole brain are within normal limits. The sella turcica is not enlarged. The clivus, cavernous carotid, cavernous sinus and planum sphenoidale are normal. The infundibular stalk is midline with normal suprasellar region.

On series 3 and 6 Image # 6 there is a focal area of hypointensity approx. 3x3 mm on series 3, image # 5 and series 5, image # 6 shows no enhancement. The transverse measurments on series 5, image #7 measure approx. 6mm x 4 mm craniocaudal.

I'm curious to whether it is saying everything is normal or if hypintensity area refers to the tumor? Which would mean it has grown. I still experience symptoms of the prolactinoma including irregular periods, headaches, and some instances of blurred vision. So if any of you can help me out on this one..it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Shannon

[Shannon81]

oh and i forgot to mention at my last doctor appt (about a month ago) my prolactin was over 100, well above normal.

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Hi, Thank you for your question. Pituitary adenomas are brain tumors that may remain asymptomatic for long years. But if it is large it can cause headache, vision problems, hormonal imbalance, paralysis, seizures and gait disorders. Therefore, surgical intervention is essential to remove the large adenomas and if permanent damage needs to be avoided.  Craniotomy, needle aspiration and cerebral shunts are common surgical treatment that may help.  Please consult a neurologist right away in this regard. Hope this helps.

[Shannon81]

Thank you for your response. I'm currently seeing a doctor regarding this but its through the county system. I've been treated off and on for the prolactinoma with medication only. The medication makes me sick half the time and would love to have the surgery but the county doesnt cover it : (  

I tend to try and interpret MRI results so I come in to doc office prepared. So my main purpose was to help interpret MRI results. More specifically, just wanted to know what hypointense area meant. But Thank you for your answer again. I like to keep myself educated on symptioms and possible problems the tumor may cause. So I know what to watch out for.