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.

Memory Loss – Normal or a Concern?

It’s just a fact of life that memory will decline as we age. Life overwhelms us with work schedules, personal commitments, taking care of our family, etc. With so much going on, it’s no wonder things easily slip our minds. But do you find yourself wondering: what is a normal memory lapse and when should I worry?

The short answer is: you should worry when memory loss begins to interrupt the regular tasks in your life. Memory can be dangerous as those affected can find themselves lost and confused. As in all ailments, the key is to get ahead of any disease for best outcome.

Normal Memory Lapses

Sometimes forgetting where you left things you use regularly, such as glasses or keys
Forgetting names of acquaintances or blocking one memory with a similar one, such as calling a grandson by your son’s name
Occasionally forgetting an appointment or walking into a room and forgetting why you entered
Becoming easily distracted or having trouble remembering what you’ve just read, or the details of a conversation
Not quite being able to retrieve information that’s on the tip of your tongue

Signs You Should See a Doctor About Your Forgetfulness

Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Challenges in planning or solving problems
Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
Confusion with time or place
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
New problems with words in speaking or writing
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
Decreased or poor judgment
Withdrawal from work or social activities
Changes in mood and personality

Dementia Vs Alzheimer’s

Dementia is a syndrome, not a disease. Dementia is a group of symptoms that affects mental cognitive tasks such as memory and reasoning. Dementia is the term applied to a group of symptoms that negatively impact memory, but Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease of the brain that slowly causes impairment in memory and cognitive function. The exact causes of dementia are still uncertain, and while there is no cure, many experimental procedures are advancing the science around finding a cure for cognitive diseases.

If you are concerned about your or a loved one's memory, please talk first with a primary care physician. We're here for you.

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