*Normal* size of pituitary?

[crwstar]

I use the word *normal* lightly. Has anyone been told by their doctor what the normal size of a pituitary is? I've looked on line and haven't really found anything consistent. I've read that between males and females that there's a difference but again haven't found anything but that its about the size of a pea.

Thanks ;-)

[LivingInHope]

The neuroendocrinologist I went into see (my tumor may have shrunk from 6 mm to about 5 or maybe the most recent scan just didn't picture it so well or maybe it was the fact it was a different MRI machine), at any rate, the neuro doc seemed to think unless it affected my vision (labs okay), there's no indication for surgery.  I'm glad, because it scares me and I have a problem with cortisone shots (h/a, flushed & itchy legs last time I had one), so I don't know how it would work if I did need surgery, because I've seen on here that cortisone is what they give you post surgery.  I got a copy of the report and she recommended a f/up MRI in 1 to 2 years (I asked for 2).

[crwstar]

Thanks you two. ;-) A garbanzo bean sounds more like it. I measured a pea and it wasn't too big. Most people with a 6 mm pituitary adenoma would have a tumor half the size of their pituitary, if a pea was the normal size......
As you can see, I am still trying to wrap my brain around how the medical community could come up with this idea that the size of the adenoma dictates whether or not someone has symptoms. Just my own way of getting a visual of things.

[LivingInHope]

My most recent MRI report said said my pituitary appears somewhat plump, but still probably within normal limits for a person of my age.  

[rumpled]

If you get a film read by a radiologist, they apparently have been told some "limits" as it sits, in fluid, in a bone cavity and when it does not fit well, well then, something is up!

I have been to one of those body thing where all the body part are made into plastic - and the pit there was more like a garbanzo bean. LOL.

Although, I do read a lot that it is the size of a pea... come to think about it.