Frequently Asked Questions

1. How common are pituitary tumors?
2. What type of specialist diagnoses and treats pituitary tumors?
3. What questions should I ask my doctor?

1. How common are pituitary tumors?
   • Approximately 1% to 2% of the world's population have a symptomatic pituitary tumor. On magnetic resonance imaging, about 10% of the population will have an abnormality of the pituitary gland, most of which do not require treatment.
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2. What type of specialist diagnoses and treats pituitary tumors?

   • Pituitary tumors may be suspected by physicians in any specialty or even at times by the patient or family.  The diagnosis is often confirmed by endocrinologists or neurosurgeons, especially those with expertise in pituitary disorders.

     The neurosurgeon subspecializing in pituitary surgery may coordinate pretreatment evaluations and posttreatment follow up with an endocrinologist, ophthalmologist, or other specialists, depending on the type and location of tumor and on the patient's previous treatment and symptoms.  Because a pituitary disorder can have a wide range of effects on the body, a multidisciplinary team approach is likely to provide patients the most comprehensive care.

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3. What questions should I ask my doctor?

   • Are you board certified in your field of specialty?

     Do you specialize in pituitary tumors and diseases?

     What are the treatment options, and which do you recommend and why? General categories of treatment are observation, medical treatment, surgery, and radiation therapy.

     If surgery is indicated, what type of procedure will you do? Some of the procedures used for pituitary lesions are transsphenoidal, transnasal, sublabial, extended transsphenoidal, transtubercular, endoscopic, frameless stereotactic (image-guided), and craniotomy are some of the surgical procedures used to treat pituitary disorders.

     How many pituitary surgeries have you done?  Neurosurgeons who have performed more than 500 transsphenoidal procedures are considered to be in the top 3%. At Barrow, Dr. William White currently performs almost 100 transsphenoidal surgeries every year. Read Dr. White's biography > Team Members.

     Will other specialists be consulted or involved in my care? Initial evaluations often include neurosurgery, endocrinology, and neuro-ophthalmology consultations.

     What are the potential risks and complications associated with the treatment and how do you manage them?

     How long will I be in the hospital?

     What types of activity restrictions will I have after surgery?

     How will you monitor my condition after treatment?

     Do you have any resources or educational materials regarding my diagnosis and treatment?
     
     
     
     
     

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