Treatment of Non-Functioning Pituitary Tumors
Microsurgery is commonly used to treat a non-functioning tumor. The neurosurgeon may use the transphenoidal route at the base of the cranium or a craniotomy (removal of part of the skull). Afterward, if the residual tumor is small and visual nerves are not compressed, close observation may be all that's needed. If there is still compression of the visual nerves or if a previously resected tumor recurs, the surgeon may recommend further surgery, radiosurgery, a one-day treatment, or fractionated radiation therapy involving several days or weeks of treatments.
In selected cases, Gamma Knife radiosurgery has the advantage of delivering a high dose of radiation in a single fraction while minimizing the risk of damage to the nearby visual nerves and normal pituitary gland. Also, Gamma Knife offers the convenience of a single treatment compared to several weeks of fractionated radiation therapy. Overall, Gamma Knife radiosurgery has a very high chance of preventing further tumor growth -- and in some cases shrinking the residual tumor -- with very little risk of visual loss or damage to the hypothalamus.
Radiosurgery is not recommended for tumors elevating and compressing the visual nerves because of the risk of injury to these nerves.
While Gamma Knife radiosurgery can be utilized as either the primary or secondary treatment for pituitary tumors, it is generally reserved as second-line therapy after residual or recurrent tumor is noted.
For more information, please contact:
Rebecca O. Heitkam, RN, BSN, CCRN, coordinator
Gamma Knife Center
Saint Joseph's Hospital
404-851-5513
or toll free at 1-866-SJGAMMA
or email
rheitkam@sjha.org
