PITUITARY MACROADENOMA

[SHENAAZ]

Hi, my husband recently found out that the approx. size of the enhancing mass was 2.2cm in longitudinal extent, 1.9cm AP and approx. 1.6cm in transverse diameter.  The mass extended superiorly into the suprasellar cistern and was slightly lobulated in appearance at its superior surfance.  The pituatary stalk itself could not be demonstrated on the sequences and the cavernous sinuses were well demonstrated with normal appearances and without involvement with the cavernous sinus.  The scans through the pituatary gland region does reveal the mass positioned within the pituatary fossa which was intermediate signal intensity on the T1 study, high signal intensity on the T2 study and did enhance fairly intensely with contrast medium on the post Gadolinium studies.  The internal carotid artery was well demonstrated within the cavernous sinuses.  Pse. explain how big is this tumour.  What is the best treatment option.  Regards, SHENAAZ


This discussion is related to Acromegaly My MRI results Please tell me what you think.

[SHENAAZ]

Thanks for your reply.   I have also emailed the Brain Tumor Centre and Pituary Disorders Program at Saint John's, Santa Monia, CA, for an opinion.  Regards.

[LollieP]

Thank you! I just saw your response

[rumpled]

Skull base tumors may, or may not, but operated by skull base surgeons who have different tools and skills to remove them so I would consult one of them as a second opinion.

As for radiation, the deeper the tumor, the more healthy tissue is effected. In some cases, the head can be turned so that the tumor can be accessed so that few vital things are hit. The issues are radiation leakage - even though it is a beam, some of the beam can and from what I understand (my research was a while ago) make the area hit slightly wider - we are talking tiny amounts but if the tumor is near a vital blood vessel or nerve, this may be an issue. So you want an experienced center, and even though say, gamma is easy since it is one visit, perhaps one larger dose may not be the right course as smaller, more precise dosing. So I would question his neurologist about the types, the benefits that work FOR HIS TYPE OF TUMOR given that we don't know his type, and how long it will take to work, also the size and how extensive the radiation and if it will be a combo of surgery of radiation etc.

[SHENAAZ]

Hi.   When speak to my husband's newphew he informed me that his tumor is situated on the base of the brain.  This looks like a skull base tumor which according to research quite difficult to treat.   According to research his best option is radiation, but again the big question which one.  Thanks.

[SHENAAZ]

Thanks will do my own research.  Regards.

[rumpled]

I am not that experienced with menigiomas. So I am not that helpful in specifics - I know more about pituitary as that is what I had.

Most questions come from knowing the type, the aggressiveness, and what the normal treatment protocol is and if the doctor thinks that will work or does he suggest changes and why.

I wish I could be more helpful.