A pituitary microadenoma is the name given to a tumor that has developed on your pituitary gland. Since your pituitary is already a tiny gland at the base of your brain, the tumors that commonly grow from it are "micro-," or small. Of course, an "adenoma" is the term given to a lump of cancerous cells. Most pituitary microadenomas are monitored because their removal is extremely complicated and difficult, and the ensuing complications for the patients outweigh the benefits of removing the tumors. However, if you have such a tumor, and it has suddenly (or over time) outgrown the pituitary, your doctor may decide that it has to be removed. Here are some options for you to consider.
Complete Removal of the Pituitary with the Tumor
To accomplish this, the surgeon usually has to go in through your nose and sinus cavities to get to the pituitary and the attached tumor. A laser may be used to cut the tumor and the pituitary free from the stalk of the pituitary gland. Depending on the size of the tumor, the surgeon may be able to remove the gland and tumor in its entirety through your nose, or use the laser to cut it up and pull it out in pieces. The laser reduces the chances of bleeding in the brain and reduces the risk of releasing cancer cells into the brain if the tumor has to be cut into pieces in order to remove it.
The downside to removing your pituitary completely is that you will have to spend the next several years finding the right balance of artificial hormones for all of the organs in your body. This is due to the fact that your pituitary is the body's hormone regulator, and without it your body will not know how much of this or that hormone to produce. You will need regular blood tests to help regulate all of the hormones in your body too.
Nanoknife Cancer Surgery
NanoKnife cancer surgery is one that can completely change the face of pituitary tumor removal. Your pituitary remains intact. Instead, your surgeon inserts up to six tiny electrode wires to surround the tumor, guided by a scope. Once the electrodes are in place, they are charged with electricity, which poke and zap the tumor. The result is that the tumor's cells are killed instantly, and the body flushes these cells out with the waste in the blood and urine. There is no cutting and very little down time, and you hardly notice any pain at all. You will also never have to take a series of hormone pills or have to have regular blood tests because your own pituitary remains intact and regulating your body as usual. For more information, contact a clinic likeATLAS ONCOLOGY.
