Patients with pituitary tumors do not have a shortened life span if they receive the correct treatment and hormone replacement. Large sample studies have shown that increased morbidity (death) in patients with pituitary tumors treated with conventional, conformal radiotherapy is due to cerebrovascular disease (stroke).
Pituitary hormone deficiency requires hormone replacement therapy. All drug therapy must be administered under supervision. In addition, standardized medical management and treatment monitoring are required. The vast majority of patients with pituitary tumors can perform normal work and social activities. Other illnesses such as influenza, pneumonia or emergencies require increased steroid doses. If the patient is unable to provide a medical history at the time of the hospital visit, the physician will not know the dose of steroids needed. By paying attention to these important details, patients with pituitary tumors should have a full and rewarding life.
Patients with uncontrolled acromegaly (tumor producing growth hormone) or Cushing’s disease (overproduction of cortisol) are at real risk of dying sooner than expected and of complications due to hormone overload. Reducing excessive hormone levels to normal can reduce these risks.