Alex What are the side effects of having your pituitary gland removed?
Risks and complications that may occur with this type of surgery also include:
- CSF rhinorrhea. CSF, or cerebrospinal fluid, is the fluid that surrounds the brain, and it may leak from the nose after surgery.
- Meningitis.
- Damage to normal parts of the pituitary gland.
- Diabetes insipidus.
- Severe bleeding.
- Visual problems.
What are the chances of a pituitary tumor growing back?
Complete removal of a tumor is the desired goal. However, a minority of patients with pituitary tumor will have a recurrence of the tumor. Approximately 16% of patients with a non functioning tumor will have a tumor recurrence within 10 years and 10% require additional treatment (surgery, pituitary radiation).
What happens after a pituitary tumor is removed?
After surgery you may experience nasal congestion, nausea, and headache. Medication can control these symptoms. An endocrinologist may see you the day after surgery to check that the pituitary gland is producing appropriate levels of hormones. If it is not, hormone-replacement medications may be given.
Can pituitary tumors cause mental illness?
It has been documented that clinical depression and anxiety are common with pituitary disorders. Some patients report memory and mental confusion, anger and/or rage and even changes in a patient’s overall sense and awareness of themselves.
Can someone live without a pituitary gland?
The pituitary gland is called the master gland of the endocrine system. This is because it controls many other hormone glands in the body. According to The Pituitary Foundation, without it, the body wouldn’t reproduce, wouldn’t grow properly and many other bodily functions just wouldn’t function.
Can a pituitary tumor change your personality?
Personality changes are also common when a pituitary tumour causes the pituitary gland to over- or under-produce hormones. This can affect your emotions and cause changes in your sex drive. Larger tumours can have a greater effect on personality, as they generally affect a greater area of the brain.
Can you live without a pituitary?
How painful is pituitary tumor surgery?
The cuts the doctor made (incisions) may be sore for about 5 days after surgery. You may also have numbness and shooting pains near your wound, or swelling and bruising around your eyes. As your wound starts to heal, it may start to itch. Medicines and ice packs can help with headaches, pain, swelling, and itching.
Can pituitary tumors cause personality changes?
Can you live with a pituitary tumor?
In general, when a pituitary tumor is not cured, people live out their lives but may have to deal with problems caused by the tumor or its treatment, such as vision problems or hormone levels that are too high or too low.
Does a pituitary tumor make you gain weight?
When the cause is too much ACTH production from the pituitary it’s called Cushing’s disease. In adults, the symptoms can include: Unexplained weight gain (mostly in the face, chest, and belly)