wait and watch

[twinmom786]

i was diagnosed in 2010 with a macroadenoma that was pushing slightly against my optic chiasm .my bloodwork should a slight increase in levels of prolactin and insulin like growth hormone .my neuro opthamologist says there is a slight but definite bitemporal defect .apparently the size of the macroadenoma is close to 2.0x1.8x1.4 cmsomewhat lower in signal intensity on the left possibly partially cystic with more solid enhancement on the right(possibly represent more normal gland)the sphenoid sinus is clear paranasalsinuses enhance normally pre-chiasmic optic nerves appear normalno evidence of hydrocephalus.(copied off my mri report)my doc wants to do the wait and watch i did my bloodwork again few weeks ago and all bloodwork came normal did all hormone bloodwork.doc wants me to do mri again in dec and says if it has not grown the do a mri every year and also regular blood work.does this sound reasonable?

[rumpled]

Post here:
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Brain--Pituitary-and-Skull-Base-Tumor-Forum/show/994?camp=msc&personal_page_id=862364

It does take a while to get a response though - he has not responded in a while.

I had two pituitary tumors - TBH had a tumor in the same area so we may not be docs, but we lived it!

Waiting is risky. I was told to *ignore* mine and it was the worst advice I ever got - I ended up disabled.

[twinmom786]

how do i ask an expert on the forum?

[tiredbuthappy]

I was also concerned after reading about it pressing on the optic chiasm. If left to grow, that can lead to blindness. However, the surgery would also be a risk to your vision. I agree with Rumpled. Get another opinion. Heck, I'd get at least 2 more! And ask WHY they feel that way. What are the risks of waiting? What are the risks of surgery? Do these risks increase if you wait and it becomes larger or more involved? Are there other treatments that may help (radiation, stereotactic surgery, gamma knife, cyberknife, etc...)?

Good luck. Do lots of research and ask lots of questions. I know how terrifying the whole process can be and I wish you the best.

[rumpled]

After just reading the first 10 words, I knew you should find a new doctor!

A tumor that size pushing on the optic chiasm should not be left - what does the doc want - an inoperable tumor??? Please take your MRI and your tests and go to a pituitary center where you can find a competent neuro-endo and a good surgeon to remove that tumor ASAP so you don't have to get radiation too.

Post or write to the expert surgeon here - he would not let you wait at all... Larger tumors can be non-secreting but in that case they are removed due to size.

What your doc has said is not reasonable. Find another opinion.