Pituitary Macroadenoma is a non-cancerous tumor on the pituitary gland that has grown more than 10mm. Since the pituitary gland produces a number of hormones that regulate differnt things there are different classifications of macroadenoma depending on the symptoms and hormones sectreted. If the pituitary stops producing hormones it is termed a non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma. Some symptoms are specific to certian macroadenomas.Symptoms range from mild, tiredness or restlessness, to severe like headaches, vomiting and/or dizziness. If the macroadenoma becomes large enough it can press on the optic nerve causing vision complications. Large pituitary macroadenomas can distort the sella turcica making it larger than normal. They can also cause midline shifts and depress on different portions of the brain causing varying symptoms.
(Image showing enlarged sella turcica)Diagnosis is usually obtained by asking the patient for any family history of the disease, symptoms the patient is having, and if the patient is on any medication. Both CT and MRI exams can be ordered to view the pituitary gland.
Treatment depends on the size, shape and type of the tumor as well as symptoms and overall health of the patient. Treatment ranges from surgery, radiation therapy and drg therapy.
References:
http://endocrine-system.emedtv.com/pituitary-macroadenoma/pituitary-macroadenoma-p3.html
No comments:
Post a Comment