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.

8 Ways to Improve Brain Health

Do you find it hard to commit to working out regularly, only to see minimal results when you look in the mirror? Don’t give up. Taking small steps to improve your health makes more of an impact than you know. It improves what’s on the inside, including your brain.

As the most complex organ in the body, the brain regulates much of what you do every day – walk, talk and breathe. It controls your thoughts and memories, which have been known to fade with age.

You may not be able to see the improvements in a mirror, but it’s never too late to start taking care of your brain to help avoid disease and memory loss. Think about how easy it can be to improve brain health with these eight tips.

Exercise regularly. (30 min./day, 5 days/week)	Manage stress and anxiety.
Get enough sleep. (18-60 years: 7 or more hours per night)	Watch your blood pressure. (Normal: Less than 120/80 mm HG)
Maintain a healthy diet.	Keep your brain active. (With puzzles, reading, drawing, etc.)
Stay away from tobacco.	Limit alcohol. (2 drinks/day for men, 1 drink/day for women)

The best part about improving brain health is that these lifestyle changes can also make a major impact on your overall health. Get your head in the game, and take the steps needed to build a healthier future.

If you have any questions or need guidance on the best ways to improve your overall health, please schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Your safe care is our #1 priority.

Sources:
American Association of Neurological Surgeons
Healthline
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
American Heart Association
National Institutes of Health
Harvard Health Publishing

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