In recent years, with the application of minimally invasive techniques, neuroendoscopy, intraoperative MRI, gamma knife and the improvement of postoperative radiotherapy, the treatment effect of pituitary tumors has improved significantly. The treatment of pituitary tumor currently has the following methods: 1.Conservative treatment: Not all pituitary tumors need to be treated, for non-functional, asymptomatic pituitary microadenoma can be suspended without special treatment, only need regular review.
2, drug treatment: secretory function adenoma can be used as appropriate to inhibit excessive secretion of pituitary hormones. For example, most prolactin adenomas can be treated with long-term oral bromocriptine, growth hormone adenomas can be treated with growth inhibition, and cycloheximide is suitable for ACTH adenomas and GH adenomas. Prednisone and thyroxine tablets can be given as replacement therapy for hypopituitarism. Drug treatment can only temporarily improve the symptoms, but cannot cure the tumor.
3.Surgical treatment: Usually, there are two types of surgery: transsphenoidal approach pituitary tumor resection and craniotomy. Transnasopalatine sinus approach pituitary adenoma resection is a mature procedure that has been widely adopted internationally, and most patients are suitable for this procedure. Especially with the progress of minimally invasive surgery, transnasopterygoid approach pituitary adenoma resection has obtained perfect results with the help of neuroendoscopic technology, which can make the operation field panoramic and without dead angle under the endoscope, making it possible to remove invasive pituitary adenoma or pituitary macroadenoma by trans-pterygoid surgery. It has the advantages of small trauma and good curative effect. The first two approaches are the most commonly used. For tumors that are large, growing up to the saddle, with pressure on the optic nerve cross, pressure on the hypothalamus and the third ventricle, or tumors growing up to the frontal base of the anterior cranial recess, craniotomy should be performed. Those who have pituitary stroke (referring to symptomatic pituitary hemorrhage or infarction) or hydrocephalus should be operated urgently.
4.Gamma knife treatment: For those without intracranial pressure increase sign and small tumor (diameter less than 2cm), gamma knife treatment can be considered. It is only suitable for those who have poor physical condition and cannot tolerate surgery, recurrence even after multiple operations, postoperative residual or resolutely do not accept surgery, which has more disadvantages.
The choice of treatment plan for pituitary tumor must depend on the nature and size of the tumor, surrounding tissue pressure and pituitary function, systemic condition and other specific conditions. When considering pituitary tumor, one should go to a regular hospital for specialist consultation, listen to expert advice and determine the treatment plan.