Treatment of pituitary gland masses abroad
Treatment of pituitary tumors in foreign clinics
According to medical sources, pituitary neoplasms account for up to 20-25% of all intracranial tumors. Nonspecific early symptoms of pituitary tumors and sometimes long asymptomatic period create certain difficulties in differential diagnostics of diseases of this group. Depending on the type of neoplasm, different approaches to therapy are used: tumor removal by surgery, conservative treatment and radiation therapy (radiosurgery).
The pituitary gland is a small internal secretion gland (width and height up to 10mm), whose hormones control the functions of many organs and systems. Together with brain structures called hypothalamus, it forms the hypothalamic-pituitary system - the main regulating endocrine system of our body. The location of the pituitary gland (above the upper wall of the paranasal cuneiform sinus) allows surgeons to use a minimally invasive technique of surgery with transsphenoidal access (through the nasal passage and cuneiform sinus).
The most common pituitary gland masses are:
- A pituitary adenoma is a benign mass of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Depending on the size, it is customary to distinguish micro- (up to 10 mm) and macro-adenomas (more than 10 mm). Adenomas can also be called depending on the types of cells from which they originated: prolactinomas, somatotropinomas, etc.
- Pituicytoma - a benign mass of the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland and funnel Cysts (Rathke's pocket cyst, dermoid cyst, etc.)
- Pituitary carcinoma - primary malignant tumor of the pituitary gland
- Secondary metastatic lesions of the pituitary gland
- Craniopharyngioma - tumor of the Turkish saddle
Pituitary gland masses: peculiarities of diagnosis
The most common early symptoms of pituitary masses are headache and visual disturbances. As the formation grows, hormonal disorders with their specific manifestations may be attached. The peculiarities of diagnosis require the participation of a team of specialists: endocrinologist, neurologist, ophthalmologist, gynecologist, pediatrician or therapist.
Multi-slice CT scanners and high-field (1.5 and 3 T) MRI in clinics in Europe and Israel allow the most accurate differentiation of the structures of the hypothalamic-pituitary system. CT and MRI data are an essential aid for clinicians.
A sample examination plan for a patient with a suspected pituitary mass:
- Laboratory tests (blood and urine tests)
- Medical imaging (CT or MRI scan)
- Examination by an ophthalmologist
Pituitary masses: specifics of treatment
The main methods of treatment of pituitary masses today are: medication, surgery and radiation therapy. It should be said that not all formations need active therapy. In a number of cases, specialists choose the tactics of observation.
Drug therapy consists in prescribing drugs that selectively block the synthesis of certain pituitary hormones or receptors to these hormones. In some cases, it is possible to achieve clinical stabilization and reduction in the size of the mass.
The surgical method consists in removing the tumor. Currently, surgeons favor minimally invasive technique of surgery using transsphenoidal access.
Radiation therapy (RT): the most modern method for the treatment of pituitary tumors, which is used in isolation or in combination with other techniques. Most often, the active agent of radiation therapy is ionizing radiation (gamma rays), which are directed to the tumor area with the help of special equipment. An innovative method of radiation therapy of pituitary tumors is proton radiation therapy, one of the advantages of which is minimization of damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
Pituitary tumors: treatment in clinics in Europe and Israel
The choice of treatment tactics for pituitary tumors is one of the most difficult tasks for specialists, the key point of which is to maintain a balance of “effectiveness and safety”. That is why interdisciplinary consiliums are widely used in work with the patient in modern clinics in Europe and Israel.
Modern accurate diagnostics, reliable and precision equipment, as well as extensive experience - the main advantages of treatment in clinics in Europe and Israel.
If you have any questions about diagnostics and treatment of pituitary gland masses in foreign clinics, please contact MedicalExpert managers.
