What is the best treatment for a pituitary tumor?
The best treatment depends on the type of pituitary tumor. Prolactin producing tumors are most successfully treated with medical therapy (pills). In over 90% of patients, medical therapy (pills) reduces tumor size and blood prolactin levels. In approximately 8-10% of patients, medical treatment is not adequately effective and surgery, and possibly radiation therapy, may be necessary. The best treatment for other types of pituitary tumors is removal of the tumor by an experienced neurosurgeon who performs pituitary surgery frequently. Although most neurosurgeons have some experience with pituitary surgery, only a few have devoted their career to pituitary surgery and have the “best” records of success.
The best treatment depends on the type of pituitary tumor. Prolactin-producing tumors are most successfully treated with medical therapy (pills). In over 90% of patients, medical therapy reduces tumor size and blood prolactin levels. In approximately 8-10% of patients, medical treatment is not completely effective and surgery may be necessary. There is medical treatment for Acromegaly (excessive growth hormone production), but this is usually administered after surgical removal of the tumor if there is persistent excessive growth hormone production (discussed in more detail below). The best treatment for other types of pituitary tumors is removal of the tumor by an experienced neurosurgeon who frequently performs pituitary surgery. Although most neurosurgeons have some experience with pituitary surgery, only a few have devoted their career to pituitary surgery and have the “best” records of success.
