The pituitary gland is the body’s most important hormone production center. Tumors originating from or around the pituitary gland may cause vision loss by pressing on vital structures and/or visual pathways. By causing hormonal disorders, it can cause many problems such as hot flashes, obesity, menstrual irregularity, milk coming from the breasts, enlargement of the hands and feet, thickening of the voice, skin disorders, etc.
Before deciding on surgery, all hormone levels of the patients are investigated. Visual clarity and areas are evaluated. All MRI, CT, angiography examinations are performed.
As a result of all these researches, some tumors are only followed up. In tumors smaller than 1 cm that do not cause serious impairment, follow-up is generally recommended.
Some tumors are treated using medication alone.
It is possible to obtain good results with surgical treatment in tumors with progressive visual impairments that cannot be treated with medication. The aim of the surgical option is to remove the tumor almost completely and to eliminate or minimize the pressure effect and hormonal effect on the vital structures around the tumor.
In cases where surgery is required, surgery can usually be performed through the nose (Transsphenoidal approach). If some tumors cannot be done through the nose, the skull is opened and removed.
It is also possible to perform this surgery endoscopically by entering through the nose.
In some tumors, only radiation therapy such as gamma rays can be used
