Pituitary Tumors

Delray Medical Center provides comprehensive diagnostic services and treatment for patients with pituitary tumors. Our team of specialists includes neurosurgeons, ear, nose & throat surgeons, endocrinologists, radiologists, pathologists and specially trained nurses.

Pituitary Gland

Tumors that begin formation in the pituitary gland are called pituitary tumors. The pituitary is a small gland that is located below the brain and above the nasal passages. The pituitary sits in a tiny bony space called the sella turcica.

The pituitary gland is connected directly to the hypothalamus. This connection provides the link between the brain and the endocrine system which facilitates in the creation of hormones. The pituitary gland is the gland that helps regulate the hormones that are created in the rest of the body. The pituitary gland has 2 parts, the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary.

Pituitary Tumor Formation

Most of the pituitary tumors that form are considered to be benign (non-cancerous) glandular tumors called pituitary adenomas. These tumors do not spread to other parts of the body, like other malignant cancers can do. Even though most pituitary tumors are benign, they have the ability to cause significant health problems because of their location near the brain. Many pituitary tumors secrete excess hormones which can cause problems for normal hormone function. While many pituitary tumors are benign, pituitary cancers (pituitary carcinomas) are considered to be very rare.

Treatment for Pituitary Tumors

Pituitary tumors are treated by using:

Surgery
Radiation therapy
Medicines that stop the tumor from making hormones

Surgical treatment of a pituitary tumor is necessary when the tumor compresses nerves and arteries at the base of the brain, or when the tumor causes loss of vision by putting pressure on optic nerves. There are two types of pituitary surgery including the minimally invasive endoscopic transsphenoidal approach and the transcranial approach, also known as craniotomy.

10 Ways to Improve Brain Health

Men playing chess Did you know that your brain is always changing? That’s the one constant about the most complex organ we have that controls every part of us. “Brain plasticity” is the process of the brain to learn new information, grow new connections and repair broken ones. Throughout life, as we age, acquire knowledge and have more experiences, our brain continues to develop.

The good news is that there are several things you can do to keep your brain functioning its best as you grow wiser.

Try a new activity. It could be learning to play an instrument, figuring out a puzzle, learning a language or a new hobby. Something that actively stimulates your brain.
Feed your brain with healthy nutritious food that stimulates brain function. Some good ones include: fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, unsaturated oils (olive oil) and proteins from plant sources.
Keep moving. Physical activity is good for your body and mind as it can increase oxygen flow as well as the growth of new nerve cells and connections, or synapses, between brain cells. Exercise also lowers blood pressure and can improve cholesterol levels while reducing stress. So many benefits make it a no-brainer “must” for brain health.
Sleep well.During sleep, your brain works overtime to repair itself, so don’t skip the shut-eye. Too much sleep, though, can lead to negative consequences such as inactivity and obesity.
Get social. Creating and nurturing connections with others keeps life fun and interesting, and has been linked to lower blood pressure, lower risk of dementia and longer life expectancy.
Manage your blood pressure. Having high blood pressure can lead to cognitive decline as well as heart problems.
Manage your blood sugar. Diabetes is a risk factor for dementia, so eat right, exercise and maintain a healthy weight. If you have high blood sugar, follow your doctor’s recommendations to keep it under control.
Limit alcohol. Excessive alcohol use is a major risk factor for dementia.
Protect your head. Head injuries increase the risk of impaired brain function. Avoid falls, wear a helmet when biking or skiing, remove potential hazards from your path and use good lighting.
Manage stress. Excessive worry and stress has been shown to lower performance on cognitive tests. Try yoga, meditation, taking a walk or listening to music to relax and clear your head. Then you can focus on the cause and a plan to address it.

To learn more about brain health, cognitive function, types of diagnostic tests or when forgetfulness could be a concern, talk to your doctor. To find a physician or specialist in your area, complete the form on this page.

SOURCES:

https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/news%202016-10/BrainHealthKeyFactsResources.pdf

https://brainhealth.nia.nih.gov/engage-your-brain

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/12-ways-to-keep-your-brain-young

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