Pituitary tumor is a common benign tumor of the central nervous system, accounting for about 10% of intracranial tumors. Various endocrine cells in the pituitary gland can produce corresponding endocrine cell adenomas, causing endocrine dysfunction. In the early stage of microadenoma, signs of endocrine hyperfunction can be seen.
As the adenoma grows and develops, it can compress and erode the pituitary tissue and its pituitary and peripituitary structures, resulting in symptoms of decreased endocrine function, visual impairment and other cranial nerve and brain symptoms.
How should a diagnosed pituitary tumor be treated?
Surgical removal of the tumor is the main treatment for pituitary tumor. Depending on the patient’s specific situation, various surgical treatment methods are used: 1) single nasal sinus approach for pituitary tumor; 2) single nasal sinus approach with the aid of neuronavigation; 3) endoscopic transnasal sinus approach; 4) craniotomy for invasive pituitary tumor.
Approximately 80% of patients can have their tumors removed through the nasopalpebral approach. The unilateral nasal-paranasal sinus approach has the advantages of less trauma, faster patient recovery, shorter operation time, higher total tumor resection rate, fewer complications and less cost, etc. It can be the preferred treatment for most pituitary adenoma patients.
The application of high technology neuronavigation and neuroendoscopy makes pituitary adenoma surgery safer and more effective. The combination of surgical treatment with radiation therapy and medication allows patients with pituitary adenomas to recover to the greatest extent possible.