recurrent pituitary adenoma

[Georgia54]

My husband was diagnosed with a pituitary adenoma in Sept. 2007.  He had it removed in October 07 and it grew back.  He had it removed in January 08 and it grew back again.  He had radiation in April 08.  His headaches never went away and he has been on pain medication all the time.  His eyesight was getting worse again so he had another MRI.  The tumor is back again.  We have not seen the neurosurgeon yet but probably will next week.  My question is why does this tumor keep recurring and what can be done to make sure it does not come back?  

[Dr Vinod]

Pituitary adenomas that are not completely removed at the first operation will in many instances will recur. It is very difficult to do in a brain, because of limited space etc.
Pituitary adenomas, although histologically benign, are not always curable by surgery alone, principally because of dural infiltration, as well as their peculiar anatomical location. Radiotherapy has been employed as an adjuvant therapy to address residual disease with favourable results. This approach is, however, not without side effects, and it cannot be repeated. So oher methods are tried, like effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on recurrent pituitary adenomas in humans.

Recurrent pituitary adenomas require very careful study to determine the proper course of therapy. However, recurrent pituitary tumors can almost certainly be well treated.
Take care!