Brain Pituitary Tumor Surgery
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Brain Pituitary Tumor Surgery:
The pituitary gland is a master gland that controls the hormones in the entire human body and is located in the centre of the brain. The pituitary gland controls a system of hormones that affect many other glands in the body that regulate growth, metabolism, the stress response, and functions of the sex organs via the thyroid gland, adrenal gland, ovaries, and testes.
A pituitary tumour is an abnormal growth in the pituitary gland. Most pituitary tumours are benign, which means they are non-cancerous, grow slowly, and do not spread to other parts of the body. However, the tumours can make the pituitary gland produce either too many or too few hormones, which can cause a variety of problems in the body.
Symptoms largely depend on the hormone affected and may include:
- Headaches
- Vision problems
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Pituitary hormones that impact the sex hormones, such as oestrogen and testosterone, can make a woman produce breast milk even though she is not pregnant or nursing, or cause a man to lose his sex drive or lower his sperm count.
Pituitary tumours often go undiagnosed because their symptoms resemble those of so many other more common diseases.
Generally, treatment depends on the tumour’s type and size, whether it has invaded or pressed on surrounding structures, such as the brain and visual pathways, and the individual’s age and overall health.
Three types of treatment are used:
- Surgical removal of the tumours
- Radiation therapy, in which high-dose x-rays are used to kill the tumour cells
- Drug therapy to shrink or destroy the tumours
Pituitary gland conditions and dysfunction are medically managed by an endocrinologist, while surgical procedures are the joint responsibility of a neurosurgeon and ENT specialist (otolaryngologist).
Brain Tumours:
There are various kinds of brain tumours in different locations of the brain that need to be evaluated and planned properly before the surgery. Benign tumours need surgery alone in most nstances, but on rare occasions, they might need adjuvant therapy. Cancerous lesions need surgical excision and additional adjuvant therapy based on the type and grade of the lesion.
Most brain tumours present with symptoms such as seizures, headaches, visual disturbances, weakness of the hand or legs, nausea, or vomiting.
An appropriately planned surgery will have the maximum benefit for the patient and will restore the lost function or prevent further worsening of the functional status.
