I have a tumor on my pituitary gland. Have you ever heard of such a thing?

Question

I am losing the vision in my right eye & after an MRI the Dr tells me this is what it is. I am 65 yrs old would you have the surgery if you were me? Thanks

Answer 1

There are many tumors from the pituitary gland but common on that can become large enough to compress your optic nerve is a macroadenoma of the pituitary gland. I definitely would have the surgery.

See: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_4X_How_Are_Pituitary_Tumors_Treated_61.asp?sitearea=

Answer 2

Unless you want to be completely blind pretty soon, I would recommend the surgery. With modern medcine, the surgery is one of the safer of neurological surgeries, just based on where it is in the brain. They may go through the nose or the junction of your gums of your upper lip.

You don't mention if the pituitary tumor is secreting any hormones, but frequently they do, and that can be a problem also, left untreated. Depending on how much pituitary function you have left, they may have you take some of the missing hormones after your surgery.

Sixty five sounds pretty young to me these days, I suspect you have many healthy years left if you will get this done.

Best wishes.

Answer 3

well, yes barring that there is nothing else medical that would keep you from having the surgery, I would have it. You are young yet, and to start to lose your vision now, would be life changing (as it probably already is). If one of my loved were in your shoes, I would also tell them to go ahead and get it done. But you are the one that needs to feel comfortable with the decision. There are always a risk of complications when there is surgery, so you need to weigh the pros and cons of each. Good luck, and best wishes

Answer 4

http://www.brain-surgery.com/pituitary.html
I think I would be scared to death but still I would have the surgery.I understand your fears.Talk to you doctor as well and ask a million of questions.
Good luck to you sir.