Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
07:43
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Living with a pituitary tumour: a narrative analysis
Jane Simpson1, James Heath, Gemma Wall
1a Clinical Psychology , School of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University , Lancaster , UK.
Psychology & Health
|September 28, 2013
Summary
This study explored the illness narratives of eight adults with a pituitary tumour, revealing a common shift between recovery-focused and chaos narratives. Novel findings include using celebrity figures and a distrust of face-value perceptions in illness communication.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Pituitary tumours present unique challenges to patients' lived experiences.
- Understanding patient narratives is crucial for holistic care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize the illness narratives of individuals with a pituitary tumour.
- To explore themes and narrative structures within these experiences.
Main Methods:
- Narrative methodology was employed with eight adult participants.
- Analysis included individual narrative elements and cross-case thematic extraction.
- A chronological group narrative was developed and analyzed for plot types.
Main Results:
- A common narrative flow between restitution (recovery-focused) and chaos (uncertainty) plots was identified.
- Participants utilized celebrity figures for illness communication.
- A tendency to question the face value of objects and individuals emerged as a novel finding.
Conclusions:
- Illness narratives of pituitary tumour patients exhibit distinct thematic and structural patterns.
- The findings offer insights into patient coping mechanisms and communication strategies.
- Novel elements like celebrity influence and skepticism warrant further investigation in pituitary tumour patient experiences.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
01:21Cancer Survival Analysis
Cancer survival analysis focuses on quantifying and interpreting the time from a key starting point, such as diagnosis or the initiation of treatment, to a specific endpoint, such as remission or death. This analysis provides critical insights into treatment effectiveness and factors that influence patient outcomes, helping to shape clinical decisions and guide prognostic evaluations. A cornerstone of oncology research, survival analysis tackles the challenges of skewed, non-normally...
01:19Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...
01:17The Pituitary Gland
The pituitary is a small endocrine organ in the sphenoid bone under the hypothalamus. Primarily, the pituitary in adults has two distinct anatomical and functional regions— the anterior and posterior lobes. During human fetal development, a third pituitary gland region called the pars intermedia atrophies and disappears. However, some of its cells migrate and exist adjacent to the anterior pituitary in adults.
01:29Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
The management of chronic pancreatitis is multifaceted, involving a comprehensive approach that includes thorough assessment, diagnostic testing, and a variety of management strategies.
Assessment:
Assessment: