Pituitary tumours, primarily known as pituitary adenomas, are benign and slow-growing tumours arising from the cells of the pituitary gland. This vital gland, located at the base of the brain behind the eyes and nose, plays a crucial role in regulating hormones in our body. Pituitary tumours account for approximately 10% to 15% of all intracranial tumours and are most commonly diagnosed in individuals in their 30s and 40s, affecting both men and women equally. In the United States, the annual incidence of pituitary neoplasms varies from 1 to 7 cases per 100,000 population.

Symptoms and Signs of Pituitary Tumours

Pituitary tumours can present with a variety of symptoms, often depending on their size and the hormones they affect. Tumours larger than 10 mm are referred to as macroadenomas, while those smaller than 10 mm are called microadenomas.

Common Symptoms Include:

1. Vision Problems: Macroadenomas can compress the optic nerve or chiasm, leading to defective vision.
2. Headaches: These can vary widely, sometimes resembling migraines or cluster headaches. Severe headaches may indicate increased intracranial pressure due to rapid tumour growth or bleeding within the tumour (known as apoplexy).
3. Hormonal Disturbances: These can include amenorrhea (menstrual irregularities), emotional instability, irritability, and conditions like acromegaly (characterized by enlarged facial features and spade-like hands) and Cushing’s syndrome (marked by weight gain, stretch marks, and excessive facial hair growth).
4. Diabetes Insipidus: This condition results in severe thirst and excessive urine production, leading to dehydration.

Diagnosis and Treatment at Hannah Joseph Hospital

Hannah Joseph Hospital offers a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating pituitary tumours. Here’s how we handle these cases:

Diagnosis:

1.  Radiographic Imaging: CT or MRI scans of the brain are essential for diagnosing pituitary tumours, particularly if patients exhibit any of the symptoms mentioned above.
2. Hormone Profile Tests: These include tests for thyroid function, cortisol, prolactin, growth hormone, LH, and FSH, which help in assessing the hormonal impact of the tumour.

Treatment Options:

1. Conservative Management: For pituitary microadenomas (<10 mm), particularly those that secrete hormones, medical treatment is often the first line of defense.
2. Surgical Intervention: Macroadenomas (>10 mm) causing visual impairment or increased intracranial pressure typically require surgical removal. Surgery is also recommended for hormone-secreting adenomas that do not respond to medication. At Hannah Joseph Hospital, we use advanced endoscopic or microneurosurgical techniques to remove these tumours transnasally, a widely accepted method globally.
3. Biopsy: In cases with atypical clinical or radiological features, surgery or biopsy is performed to rule out conditions like tuberculosis or carcinoma, although these are rare.
4. Radiation Therapy: This may be necessary for tumours invading blood vessels and not amenable to surgical removal.

Expert Care at Hannah Joseph Hospital

At Hannah Joseph Hospital, we pride ourselves on offering state-of-the-art care for patients with pituitary tumours. Our experienced team of neurosurgeons, endocrinologists, and radiologists work together to provide personalized treatment plans that ensure the best possible outcomes.

Why Choose Hannah Joseph Hospital?

1. Expertise: Our team of specialists is highly skilled in diagnosing and treating pituitary tumours using the latest medical technologies and techniques.
2. Comprehensive Care: From initial diagnosis to post-treatment follow-up, we provide holistic care that addresses all aspects of the patient’s health.
3. Advanced Facilities: We are equipped with cutting-edge imaging and surgical equipment to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
4. Patient-Centric Approach: Our treatment plans are tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient, ensuring compassionate and personalized care.

Trust Hannah Joseph Hospital for Expert Care

Pituitary tumours, though generally benign, can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. At Hannah Joseph Hospital, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate, and expert care to help our patients manage and overcome this condition. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of a pituitary tumour, do not hesitate to contact Hannah Joseph Hospital. Your health and well-being are our top priorities, and we are here to support you every step of the way.