How long does it take for a Pituitary adenoma to grow 2 cm?
My wife had a pituitary adenoma (macro) that had grown to 2 centimeters. It put pressure on her optic nerve and had to be removed. She was diagnosed 2 months later with Multiple Sclerosis Relapsing Remitting because of continued eye pain. How long does it take an adenoma to grow to 2 cm and was that the cause for eye pain. Did she have to have the operation (null adenoma) ?
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By "null adenoma", I will take that to mean a non-functioning adenoma? In any case, a tumor of that size, pressing on the optic nerve did require surgery.
There are many types of pituitary tumors and a few can be reduced in size using medications.
As for how long it takes to grow, you should take a look at her pathology. Some would take a while, but some can be more aggressive and grow in a short period of time so only by knowing the specific pathology of the lesion will you have more information.
The MS may or may not be related. Many of the pituitary diseases are considered to be auto-immune and so is MS and often when you have one auto-immune disease, you will get another (and another). I got another auto-immune disease afterward, as well as I had others before. Some of my other friends with pituitary tumors on the other hand, did not. (
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Is there a way to stimulate our pituitary gland to increase GH production without drugs?
There is alot of hype on this topic and I'm wondering how much if any is true. I have been intrested in what GH can do for your body. Althought mostly marketed to older people, I'm wondering if I can stimulate my pituitary to produce more human growth hormone (during my late teen years). If not I'm okay with that, but I think I should be taller than I am now! I'm 5'5 (18 year old girl) and my dad is 6'0 and my mom is 5'8. It seems like I got the short end of the stick (both my siblings are my parents height).
Thanks for any help!
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When you are in the growing age, sleeping and exercise will help. I've answered this question in detail before. Please follow the link below for an in-depth explanation on human growth:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070815095653AAAyOJG&r=w&pa=FZptHWf.BGRX3OFMiTNUWclYKt_GemlzhrAdX.j0AKiJl0oM4A--&paid=answered#I4NJGmjVOVXebM0y6Vpt (
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Can brain surgery of a tumor of the pituitary gland lead to problems in learning?
My son had a brain tumor that was putting alot of pressure on his pituitary gland and was effecting his hormones. My question is that he has a hard time passing tests in school he knows the stuff but can't seem to pass the tests. Can this type of surgery lead to him unable to keep info? He never had a problem before the sugery. Please help he's getting so frustrated that he can't get is diploma. Thanks!
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Any brain surgery can cause issues. There may be some left over swelling
You need to discuss it with his neurologist since he is the one who knows exactly what was done and any difficulties there might have been. He may just need to relax, it might be more of an emotional barrier than a physical one or a combination of both. Surely the school will understand and cut him some slack, talk to them. Good luck. (+ info)
How can I increase my pituitary function?
I know all about it so please dont explain to me what it is. I've been searching but cant find anything such as foods or anything to help my pituitary function.
I cant? There has to be something the HELPS it if not completely.
I cant?? There has to be something, some natural way to help the function of it. Foods, or anything. So telling me I cant is a lie. Thank you.----------
There is a way. Some natural herbs and exercise definitely would help. You just need to find the right ones. As for nothing helping you like the man said above, that is just a lie.
Good luck though. (+ info)
What are the radiation points on the head for a Pituitary Tumor?
My daughter has a 1.4cm tumor on her pituitary gland. They are talking of starting radiation in a couple of weeks as they cant operate at the moment. The doctor said the radiation would go in either side of her head (above the temple area) and the forehead but I heard from others that it was the back of the head. Has anyone had radiation for this type of tumor?----------
Just a note - no need to be dismayed over you not listing what type of tumor. It's really not relevant to the question. Regardless of what type of tumor it is, the radiation delivery will be the same.
Generally, these types of tumors are treated with multiple beams from multiple angles. It also depends on the type of radiation being used. If it's protons, that's a different story. However, for photons (which is more standard, and what is usually available) there will be beams coming in from multiple directions. This reduces radiation dose to the healthy tissues. All the beams will converge on the tumor. These are, in general, highly conformal beams. Meaning the end result is the radiation fits like a glove around the tumor. Some buzz words you can look up, if you're interested, are SRS (stereotactic radiosurgery) which is generally one treatment, but can be split up into 3 or a few more treatments. IMRT (intensity modulated radiation therapy) which is generally split up into many fractions (however... this in general wouldn't be used for a tumor so small). If one of these techniques (or protons) aren't being used, I would strongly suggest a second opinion. However, I bet they are. There are many areas around the pituitary that need to have reduced dose, so going this route is the only way to maximize dose to the pituitary (cancer) without giving excess dose to healthy tissues. I'm betting the procedure is SRS (stereotactic radiosurgery) which really only works with the beam coming in from multiple directions.
If you know what type of treatment your daughter will be receiving, I can give you more information.
I should have clarified further. SRS is photon radiation. Gamma knife is also photon radiation (and is also known as SRS, confusingly enough). WIth the modern technology available, most centers can do just a good of job with either SRS delivered by a linear accelerator or gamma knife. The idea between all of them is small beams focused on the tumor. In either case, there are many many beams coming from many directions. The good thing about SRS through a linear accelerator (not gamma knife) is that the shape of the beam can be altered.
Make sure wherever she gets treated is accredited - by either ACRO (american college of radiation oncology) or ACR (american college of radiology). If they are, they are going through rigorous standards to ensure they are safe treatment centers. (+ info)
What is it called when a baby is born without a Pituitary Gland?
So my cousin (12 y/o) was born without a Pituitary Gland what is that called? She's in a wheel-chair kind of device, can hardly talk, she need's help with everything...what is this disorder called? How common is it? And what is the life expectancy for people suffering from this disorder? Any other information would be great!----------
Hypopituitarism
Definition
Hypopituitarism is loss of function in an endocrine gland due to failure of the pituitary gland to secrete hormones which stimulate that gland's function. The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. Patients diagnosed with hypopituitarism may be deficient in one single hormone, several hormones, or have complete pituitary failure.
Panhypopituitarism
This condition represents the loss of all hormones released by the anterior pituitary gland. Panhypopituitarism is also known as complete pituitary failure.
Treatment of multiple deficiencies and panhypopituitarism
The treatment of hypopituitarism is usually very straightforward, but must normally continue for the remainder of the patient's life. Some patients may receive treatment with GnRH, the hypothalamic hormone. In most cases, treatment will be based on the specific deficiency demonstrated. Patients with hypopituitarism should be followed regularly to measure treatment effectiveness and to avoid overtreatment with hormone therapy. If the cause of the disorder is a tumor or lesion, radiation or surgical removal are treatment options. Successful removal may reverse the hypopituitarism. However, even after removal of the mass, hormone replacement therapy may still be necessary.
Prognosis
The prognosis for most patients with hypopituitarism is excellent. As long as therapy is continued, many experience normal life spans. However, hypopituitarism is usually a permanent condition and prognosis depends on the primary cause of the disorder. It can be potentially life threatening, particularly when acute hypopituitarism occurs as a result of a large pituitary tumor. Morbidity from the disease has increased, although the cause is not known. It is possible that increased morbidity and death are due to overtreatment with hormones. Any time that recovery of pituitary function can occur is preferred to lifelong hormone therapy.
Prevention
There is no known prevention of hypopituitarism, except for prevention of damage to the pituitary/hypothalamic area from injury. (+ info)
Can smoking and drinking cause a pituitary gland tumour to get bigger?
I was told I have a 3 mm tumour (an adenoma, I think it was) in my pituitary gland. I get so down sometimes I feel the only way to keep from cutting myself is to smoke. I know it's unhealthy, but it calms me down. I like to drink sometimes. Are these habits going to cause the tumour to get bigger?----------
Have you been to the Dr. with this. My daughter has the same thing, she is 18years old and is on medication to try to shrink it. She does not smoke or drink. So maybe you need to ask your dr. Within two years her's has grown twice the size as the first MRI. (+ info)
How can pituitary disorder make you taller?
Gheorghe Mureşan (1992-2003) ex-basketball player. He is 7'7 tall. He had pituitary disorder, which made him that tall.
Quote from wikipedia - "his great height is the result of a pituitary disorder" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gheorghe_Mure%C5%9Fan
i want to ask how can pituitary disorder (glands) make you tall.----------
The pituitary gland is responsible for growth hormone production while you sleep, among other things. People with pituitary disorder have 'acromegaly', or produce too much growth hormone, causing them to grow extremely tall. (+ info)
What does it mean if the doctor finds that the bone around your pituitary gland is enlarged?
I have had problems with a sore throat and chest and head congestion three times since January 2006. The doctor wanted me to have a sinus x-ray. That showed the bone enlargement around the pituitary gland. He now wants me to have an MRI of my head. Just concerned.----------
I believe you are referring to the Sella Turcica. Expansion of the Sella Turcica (as seen on an Xray) can be caused by a tumor or by long-standing intracranial pressure (pressure inside the skull).
Your doctor is doing the right thing in getting the MRI. Hopefully, you do not have anything serious, but there is a chance something significant is going on.
Best wishes and good luck. (+ info)
Does anyone have Panhypopituitarism or is missing their pituitary gland, and have you gotten pregnant?
I am looking to get pregnant, but I had my pituitary removed when I was 13 due to a tumor. I take replacement hormone medication, and know my body does not naturally produce the hormones required to get pregnant, so I would need some sort of infertility treatment. I'm just wondering if there's anyone out there who's like me who's had a successful pregnancy. I just want to know if it's possible!----------
I have Panhypopituitarism as well do to radiation therapy treatment that I had for a Brain Tumor when I was 10. I also have to take replacement hormones as well. Unfortunately, I have not gotten pregnant yet. I am currently looking into infertility treatment. I was told by my reproductive endocrinologist that I could get pregnant through Ovulation Stimulation with injectable Gonadotropins (FSH & LH) or IVF. I'm currently saving up for this because my insurance does not cover this. I've been doing a lot of studying on this as well. This link gives you some more information on the infertility treatment required. http://www.anthem.com/ca/medicalpolicies/guidelines/gl_pw_a053703.htm Good Luck (+ info)
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