Question: Following radiation for a pituitary tumor, is there a risk that the entire pituitary will be unable to function normally? Answer: Many patients maintain normal pituitary function following radiation therapy to the pituitary for a few years; however, within ten years, a significant percentage of patients develop some type of pituitary hormone deficiency and… Continue Reading
Author Archives: kkc
How Does Radiation Therapy Work?
Question: How does radiation therapy work? I thought it immediately killed the tumor, but I have heard that isn’t always true. Answer: Radiation therapy does not usually work immediately in any patient with any type of pituitary tumor. Pituitary tumor cells are fairly slow growing and the aim of radiation is to destroy the cells… Continue Reading
Difference Between Nelson’s Syndrome and a Pituitary Tumor Recurrence
Question: What is the difference between Nelson’s syndrome and a recurrence of a pituitary tumor? Answer: Nelson’s syndrome is a development of a pituitary tumor following bilateral adrenalectomy in patients with Cushing’s disease. In other words, Nelson syndrome can only occur in patients who have both adrenal glands removed. If the adrenal glands have not… Continue Reading
Cushing’s After Bilateral Adrenalectomy
Question: I had my entire pituitary gland removed and both adrenals, but still have a lot of Cushing’s symptoms. Is it possible that I still have Cushing’s, but the tests don’t show it? Answer: If your pituitary gland and adrenal glands have been removed, the likelihood of persistent Cushing’s syndrome is very unlikely. Simple biochemical… Continue Reading… Continue Reading
What to Expect After Surgery
Question: How should I expect to feel after surgery and during the recovery period? Answer: Following successful surgery with lowering of the cortisol level to normal or undetectable (the desired response) most patients experience symptoms of steroid withdrawal even when they are given cortisol replacement (hydro-cortisone, prednisone). Symptoms of withdrawal include muscle aches, joint aches,… Continue Reading
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