Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

pituitary tumor

my friend just had a pituitary tumor removed and was told some tumor may be left behind, Has anyone ever had this happen or know someone who did? I'm wondering if it grows back or not. I'm fearful for my friend because she went through a lot. Any comments or suggestions?
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Thank you very much for your response. My friend just had another MRI and there is no trace of any tumor. She had the neurologist read the MRI and the endocrinologist read it. She is seeing an opthamologist regularly and has recovered amazingly! I myself am a nurse and saw the MRI and it is truly a miracle. The tumor was so large she was losing her vision and now she sees perfectly!
Helpful - 0
500453 tn?1210676097
Hi,

I had a pituitary tumor (prolactinoma - prolactin producing) removed in 1995.  It was believed that the tumor was completely removed (at least that's what I heard or wanted to hear).  Having had the tumor once, I am now more attuned to the symptoms.  There has been regrowth, but the tumor size is smaller than the original and not encroaching on the optic nerve as it once was.  Because of this we are able to treat the tumor medically with bromocriptine, which decreased the excess hormone secretions and over time with shrink the tumor as well.

The important thing for your friend is to have regular monitoring and to make sure she knows and understands the results of all her testing.  Ask for it in writing, so she can keep track of her progress.  It is also very important that she is seeing pituitary specialists in neurology, endocrinology, and even opthamology.

I know it can be scary, but knowledge is power.  A good source is the Pituitary Network Association.

Good Luck to you and your friend!
Helpful - 0
368886 tn?1466235284
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello.

A pituitary tumor can recur after an incomplete resection. Hence, a strict monitoring and follow up MRI scans are essential to detect even a small change in size and volume of the remaining portion of the tumor. There is a 12 - 16 % chance of recurrence within the first 10 years after surgery.

Is a radiation therapy planned for the remaining part of the tumor?

Regards
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Neurology Community

Top Neurology Answerers
620923 tn?1452915648
Allentown, PA
5265383 tn?1669040108
ON
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
1780921 tn?1499301793
Queen Creek, AZ
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease