Question

what are some challenges associated with treatment for pituitary adenomas?

Answer 1

PITUITARY ADENOMAS

A pituitary adenoma is a growth or tumor on the pituitary.

SYMPTOMS

* Headache

* Vision problems

* Weight gain

* Easy bleeding / bruising

* Menstrual irregularities

* Lactation

* Erectile dysfunction.

TREATMENT

Early intervention provides the best chance for cure or control of a pituitary tumor and its side effects. There are three types of treatment used for pituitary tumors:

* Surgical removal of the tumor.

* Radiation therapy using high-dose x-rays to kill tumor cells.

* Medication therapy to shrink or eradicate the tumor.

CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH TREATMENT FOR PITUITARY ADENOMAS

1.Tumors often recur when medications are discontinued, or they become resistant to therapy.

2. Side effects from radiation therapy may include fatigue, mild skin reactions, upset stomach, and loose bowel movements.

3. In the long term, radiation therapy may cause short-term memory or cognitive changes.

4. It can also cause the pituitary gland to gradually lose the ability to make hormones after treatment ends. Sometimes radiation therapy can cause the pituitary gland to stop working, even years after treatment.

5. Moreover it is important to work with a knowledgeable team with a lot of experience in pituitary tumor surgery.