Pituitary tumors are abnormal growths that arise in the pituitary gland, a critical structure located at the base of the brain, known for its role in regulating various hormonal functions. At the Atlas Institute of Brain and Spine in Los Angeles, we provide comprehensive treatment options for patients dealing with pituitary tumors, ensuring personalized care delivered by a leader in neurosurgery, Dr. Aaron Cohen-Gadol. With over 7,500 complex surgeries performed, our expertise ensures that you receive the highest level of care for your health needs. Every treatment strategy is supported by advanced imaging techniques, such as intraoperative MRI and CT scans, which enable us to plan and perform surgeries with precision.
Dr. Cohen took care of my son who had an AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation). Dr. Cohen recommended surgical removal, which was not what neurosurgeons we had seen before recommended. It was a shock, but he walked us through all the options and why he felt surgery was best.
Our son’s case was very complicated and Dr. Cohen was always kind, caring and compassionate. He successfully performed a very intricate surgery that removed the AVM and our son is doing so well! I can’t imagine having any other neurosurgeon!
How Do Pituitary Tumors Develop
Pituitary tumors primarily consist of benign growths that originate from the pituitary gland, which is crucial for hormone production in the body. Although the exact cause of these tumors remains unknown, there are factors such as genetic conditions like multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) that may heighten the risk. Most pituitary tumors occur spontaneously without any identifiable hereditary conditions. The tumors can affect hormonal balance and lead to a range of symptoms, depending on their type and location.
Key Symptoms Indicating a Pituitary Tumor
The symptoms of a pituitary tumor can vary significantly based on the hormone levels affected and the pressure the tumor exerts on surrounding structures. Common indicators include:
- Persistent headaches
- Visual disturbances such as blurred or double vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Excessive thirst and frequent urination
- Hormonal imbalances leading to menstrual irregularities or low libido
Other symptoms may arise due to excessive hormone production, such as irregular periods, infertility, and growth abnormalities. Understanding these symptoms is critical for early intervention and treatment.
How is a Pituitary Tumor Diagnosed
Diagnosis of pituitary tumors involves a thorough examination that includes evaluating the patient’s medical history and performing physical assessments focused on vision and hormonal functions. Diagnostic tests may encompass:
- Blood and urine tests to measure hormone levels
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for imaging the tumor
- Venous blood sampling for difficult-to-identify tumors
Prompt diagnosis is vital for effective treatment planning, especially given the benign nature of most tumors.
What Are Your Treatment Options for Pituitary Tumors
Treatment approaches for pituitary tumors are tailored to the specific characteristics of each case, including tumor size and compression of surrounding structures. The primary treatment options include:
- Medication: Drugs can help reduce hormone production from the tumor and restore hormonal balance.
- Surgery: Often the first line of defense for symptomatic tumors, our transsphenoidal surgery employs a minimally invasive technique that allows for tumor removal with minimal impact on surrounding brain tissue. This approach leverages innovative technologies used in over 5,000 procedures demonstrated to improve surgical outcomes.
- Radiation Therapy: Recommended post-surgery to prevent tumor regrowth, radiation techniques may include traditional external-beam radiation or stereotactic radiosurgery.
Each treatment option is deployed based on individual patient needs, emphasizing the importance of a personalized approach.
The Atlas Institute Advantage for Pituitary Tumor Care in Los Angeles
Choosing the Atlas Institute of Brain and Spine means opting for unparalleled expertise in neurosurgery. Dr. Aaron Cohen-Gadol is internationally recognized for his intricate surgical techniques and innovative approaches to treating complex brain conditions like pituitary tumors. As the founder of The Neurosurgical Atlas, the world’s largest neurosurgical education resource, Dr. Cohen-Gadol employs state-of-the-art techniques, such as fluorescence-guided tumor surgery and intraoperative neuronavigation, ensuring accurate and effective treatment strategies. Key advantages of our practice include:
What to Expect After Pituitary Tumor Surgery
Recovering from pituitary tumor surgery requires careful monitoring and management. After the procedure, you can expect:
- Post-operative hospital stay for observation, typically lasting a couple of days.
- Regular check-ups to monitor hormone levels and possible symptoms of complications.
- Guidance on lifestyle adjustments to support healing and hormonal balance, including dietary modifications and light physical activity.
Understanding your recovery journey is key to regaining your health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pituitary Tumors
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Pituitary tumors can be classified mainly into functioning tumors, which secrete hormones, and nonfunctioning tumors, which do not. Common types include prolactinomas, growth hormone-secreting adenomas, and corticotroph adenomas, among others.
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While surgery is often the primary treatment, other options such as medication and radiation therapy may also be effective depending on the tumor type and symptoms.
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Recovery time varies, but most patients can expect to remain in the hospital for 1-2 days post-surgery and will require regular follow-ups for monitoring hormone levels and symptoms.
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Most pituitary tumors are benign and non-cancerous, although they can still cause significant symptoms and require treatment.
Why Choose Us
- Over 7,500 specialized surgeries performed by Dr. Cohen-Gadol, leading to higher success rates.
- Personalized care focused on individual patient needs and circumstances.
- Access to leading-edge surgical technology and techniques formed from development experiences at the prestigious Mayo Clinic.
- Comprehensive follow-up care to monitor hormonal balance and overall health.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you are facing a diagnosis of a pituitary tumor, it’s important to seek expert care tailored to your needs. Schedule your consultation at the Atlas Institute of Brain and Spine in Los Angeles. Led by Dr. Aaron Cohen-Gadol, whose extensive experience ensures a high level of care, we look forward to guiding you through your treatment options effectively.
