The best treatment depends on the type of tumor. Most prolactinomas can be successfully treated with medications (oral medications). In more than 90% of patients, medication (oral medication) can reduce the size of the tumor and lower the blood prolactin level. However, drug therapy can only control the tumor, not cure it. In about 8-10% of patients, drug therapy is not effective and surgery and radiation therapy may be required. Chen Ge, Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University
The best treatment for other types of pituitary tumors is to be surgically removed by experienced neurosurgeons who frequently perform pituitary surgery. Although most neurosurgeons have some experience in pituitary surgery, better results can be achieved by a subset of surgeons who specialize in pituitary surgery and have the “best” track record of successful surgery.
The best current surgical approach is to remove the pituitary tumor endoscopically through a nasal approach, which is less invasive than microsurgery, less painful after surgery, and does not even require nasal tamponade and postoperative nasal ventilation.