If you have a pituitary tumor, it means that you have an abnormal growth on the pituitary gland. Often, the tumor will cause the pituitary to release too many hormones, which may throw certain body functions off-kilter. On the other hand, some pituitary tumors result in a reduction of hormone levels.
At Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic we provide five primary types of treatment for benign and cancerous pituitary gland tumors. In some cases, you may need a surgical solution, but that’s not the only treatment option.
If nonsurgical treatment fails, Dr. Lewis may recommend a craniotomy or transcranial approach to remove the tumor through your upper skull. The surgery starts with an incision in the scalp to reach large tumors. After the surgeon removes the tumor, they close the incision. Typically, a piece of the skull is removed to provide access to the brain, so the surgeon reattaches the skull with screws prior to closing the incision.
Gamma knife radiosurgery involves a single dose of radiation blasted into a cancerous pituitary tumor. Using narrow beams, the surgeon targets the tumor without creating too much damage in surrounding tissue.
If you have a small pituitary tumor or a benign one, the doctor may continue to monitor your progress. Also referred to as deferred therapy, this option can work for those who have no symptoms or impairment.
When a pituitary tumor becomes large enough, it can press on the optic nerve, impairing vision and often causing double vision. There are several nerves near the pituitary gland that control muscles around the eye. When a pituitary tumor presses against these nerves, it can weaken the muscles that control eye movement.
Here are some of the hormones affected by pituitary tumors:
The type of hormone reduction or increase largely depends on the type of tumor and its size. Dr. Lewis can monitor the levels of these and other hormones to help track the progress of a pituitary tumor. Make an appointment to learn more about your treatment options.
Dr. Lewis is a gifted neurosurgeon who has provided surgical and nonsurgical treatment for clients in Jackson, Mississippi, for over 30 years. When necessary, pituitary surgery usually takes less than an hour and may require an overnight stay. Dr. Lewis is a consummate expert in these procedures and has taught national courses on pituitary tumor surgical treatment.
Contact Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic today to schedule a consultation for pituitary surgery. We’ll find the right solution that works for you. Call us at (601) 366-1011.