Pituitary Tumor Treatment

Healthcare Providers Involved in Pituitary Tumor Treatment

There are usually several healthcare providers involved in a person's pituitary tumor treatment. The doctor may refer patients to doctors who specialize in treating pituitary tumors, or patients may ask for a referral. Specialists who treat pituitary tumors include:

 

Second Opinions on Pituitary Tumor Treatment

Sometimes, it is helpful to have a second opinion regarding your diagnosis and the pituitary tumor treatment plan. Some insurance companies require a second opinion; others may cover a second opinion if the patient or doctor requests it.

 

Pituitary Tumor Treatment Options

Depending on the type and extent of the pituitary tumor, treatment options include:

 

Surgery is a common pituitary tumor treatment. A doctor may remove the tumor using one of the following operations:

 

Radiation therapy (also known as radiotherapy) uses high-energy x-rays or other radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. The source of the radiation is usually a machine outside the body (external radiation therapy).

 

Clinical trials are testing stereotactic radiation surgery, in which radiation is aimed at the tumor only, with less damage to healthy tissue. A CT scan or MRI scan is used to find the exact location of the tumor. A rigid head frame is attached to the skull, and high-dose radiation is directed to the tumor through openings in the head frame, so only a small amount of normal brain tissue is affected. This procedure does not involve surgery. Radiation therapy may be used alone or in addition to surgery or drug therapy.