Diagnosing Pituitary Tumors Washington DC and Choosing a Surgical Treatment

Diagnosing pituitary tumors Washington DC usually includes imaging tests to determine the size and exact location of the tumor.  After diagnosis, treatment often includes surgery and the imaging tests can help your doctor decide what type of surgery is right for you.  The goal of the surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible.  This is usually done using an endoscopic procedure, but sometimes a procedure called a craniotomy is necessary.

Diagnosing pituitary tumors Washington DC and preparing for surgery

Before surgical pituitary treatments Washington DC, sometimes other treatments such as radiation therapy will be needed.  Radiation uses x-rays to kill cancer cells and can be effective before surgery by shrinking the tumor and making it easier to remove.  If the pituitary tumor is functional (meaning that it produces excess hormones) you may be put on medication before your surgery to block hormones and lessen symptoms.

Endoscopic pituitary tumor treatments Washington DC

Endoscopic pituitary tumor treatments Washington DC use a long flexible tube called an endoscope.  The endoscope has a light and a camera and sends the image to a screen so your doctor can see.  It is usually inserted through the nose, but sometimes it needs to be inserted through an incision behind your upper lip.  The doctor uses the endoscope and tiny tools to remove the tumor in small pieces.  This is the most common surgical pituitary tumor treatment Washington DC.

Craniotomy for pituitary tumors DC

If the tumor is very large or has affected the brain or nerves, your doctors may need to preform a craniotomy.  During this procedure, your doctor makes two incisions to access the brain through the skull.  Your surgeon uses endoscopic tools to see the tumor and nearby structures and removes the tumor.

After your pituitary tumor treatments Washington DC

After endoscopic pituitary tumor treatments Washington DC, most people need to spend a few days in the hospital.  After a craniotomy, more recovery time may be needed.  During this time, you will be closely monitored by nurses to track pituitary function.  You can learn more about pituitary tumor treatments Washington DC at www.medstarwashington.org/.