Microadenoma Removal

Hello,

Two years ago I was diagnosed with a small non-secreting pituitary tumor measuring 3mm. Since then I have been suffering from a variety of symptoms including extreme fatigue, irregular sometimes non-existant menses, depression, anxiety, low blood pressure ect...

About two weeks ago I had a sudden onset of headaches which I can not relieve even with the perscribed vicodine and advil. Along with the headaches my fatigue has gotten extremely worse to the point that I can't function. I am also experiencing dizzy spells, vision trouble, and cognative difficulties.

I was sent for an MRI and my tumor has grown to 7.4mm x 8.5 mm within the last two years. The MRI does not show any invasion into the arteries, sinus cavities, or optic nervs. I was sent to an endocrinologist whom feels this tumor is not the source of my new headaches, fatigue, and other symptoms. She is reluctantly checking my hormone levels which does make me feel better. She also told me that it is uncommon to remove a microadenoma and that it is only done once it has grown over 1cm (which mine should reach quickly at this growth rate)

My question is, that is really that uncommon to remove a microadenoma when a patient is experiencing all these symptoms that affect their life so dramatically? Should I be speaking to another type of specialist or doctor? It just seems that my symptoms fall to closely in line with the symptoms of a pituitary tumor to be treated so lightly. Am I on the right track and getting accurate treatment or should I be looking elswhere for treatment? If so where, and with whom?  I am in Harrisburg, PA.

Thank You,
Christie

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,
Yes I think you need to take a second opinion on this. Microadenomas can be removed surgically.
Sometimes microadenomas can enlarge to form macroadenomas that can result in excessive hormone production and more symptoms.
I am sorry I am not aware of any specialist in your area. Do let me know if you want any other information. Take care!

[wheresmyjava]

Any suggestions on what type of specialist to see? The last doctor was an endocrinologist.

[crwstar]

Hi,

A couple of questions - was your endocrinologist a pituitary specialist? often if they are they will have neuro surgeons that they work with and most importantly these neurosurgeons have lots of experience removing pituitary tumors. Most important qualification you should be considering right now is a doctor (enodcrinologist) who specializes in pituitary tumors. I don't currently know of any other doctor to see for this but maybe someone else can come along and let you know. I have a 5 mm microadenoma with lots of symptoms and have been told its not the cause, so it seems we are in the same boat unfortunately. I wish you success in finding someone for another opinion. You might do a search on-line by "pituitary specialist and your area" see what comes up. you can msg me or send me a note if you have any questions. I've seen one endocrinologist who is a pituitary specialist and will see another for a second opinion.

crwstar