Pituitary Adenoma

[MBlystone]

I was diagnosed 5-6 years ago with a pituitary adenoma, I have been symptom controlled with medication ever since.  Recently I had an MRI which showed an increase from 3mm to 4mm and my PCP (Family Practice) is referring me to an endocrinologist.  Is it normal for the adenoma to grow and is a visit to an endocrinologist really necessary at only 4mm?

[bmGeorgia]

I've just been called in by my Family Doctor and advised of the findings of my MRI, which diagnosed a Pituitary Adenoma, and said that my neurologist would contact me with a follow-up MRI.  I don't get my follow-up MRI for another 3 months, nor do I have an appointment with the Neurologist to discuss the initial findings in the MRI, basically I know nothing of the condition but a having to wait 3 months seems long OR is this the norm?  What was your experience? BMGeorgia

[Quixotic1]

Yes, adenomas are benign tumors, but if they are in an enclosed space they can exert pressure around them.  The doc's keep doing the MRI's to watch for growth.  I can't comment on a change in 1mm.  The other concern is how active the adenoma is and what kinds of hormones it secretes.

The pituitary is a vital organ which sits in it's own little bony cavity.  You don't want it compressed or injured at all!  So my vote is to be very conservative.  This means watching it carefully and having it monitored frequently, even though it is a pain in the *** to do so.

Good luck, Quix