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Management of pituitary adenomas
M E Leavens1, I F McCutcheon, N A Samaan
1University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston.
Oncology (Williston Park, N.Y.)
|June 1, 1992
Summary
Pituitary adenomas, tumors of the pituitary gland, can cause hormonal imbalances or compress brain structures. Surgery is the primary treatment, offering high remission rates for microadenomas.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Pituitary adenomas originate in the anterior pituitary, potentially causing hormonal hypersecretion and endocrine syndromes.
- These tumors can also compress surrounding brain structures and compromise normal pituitary function.
- Sellar masses exerting pressure may impair stalk or gland function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical presentation and management of pituitary tumors.
- To highlight the role of surgery and radiotherapy in treating these conditions.
- To present remission rates based on tumor size.
Main Methods:
- Review of advances in radiologic imaging techniques.
- Discussion of improvements in microsurgical instrumentation and techniques.
- Analysis of treatment outcomes for pituitary adenomas.
Main Results:
- Surgery is the preferred treatment for pituitary tumors.
- Radiotherapy is utilized for residual tumor control post-surgery.
- High remission rates (up to 90%) are achievable for microadenomas.
- Moderate remission rates (50-60%) are observed for macroadenomas.
Conclusions:
- Surgical intervention, aided by advanced imaging and microsurgical tools, is effective for pituitary adenomas.
- Radiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing residual disease.
- Treatment success varies significantly with adenoma size, with smaller tumors yielding better outcomes.