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 may require hormone replacement. Patients who undergo pituitary radiation should have at least an annual evaluation by an endocrinologist in order to assess pituitary function.

By Dr. James Findling MD (June, 1997)