tests and MRI scans necessary?
Complete removal of a tumor is the desired goal. However, a small minority of patients will have a recurrence of the tumor. Approximately 10% of patients will have a tumor recurrence within 10 years. Since it is not possible to predict which tumor will recur, all patients need regular medical follow up. Additionally, a tumor may recur 20 years or more after the original treatment. If the tumor was producing a hormone that caused particular symptoms (Cushing’s, acromegaly, prolactin tumor), the patient is usually the first to recognize this. Measurement of the appropriate hormone level in blood or urine is the most accurate method of determining if there is a tumor recurrence. Non secretory tumors do not produce an excessive hormone that can be measured in the blood or urine and the MRI scan is the best method of surveillance.
