If a tumor was successfully removed why are regular visits, blood tests and MRI scans necessary?
Complete removal of a tumor is the desired goal. However, a small minority of patients will have a recurrence of the tumor. • Approximately 10% of patients will have a tumor recurrence within 10 years. Since it is not possible to predict which tumor will recur, all patients need regular medical follow up. • Additionally, a tumor may recur 20 years or more after the original treatment. If the tumor is producing a hormone that causes particular symptoms (Cushing’s, Acromegaly, prolactin tumor), the patient is usually the first to recognize this. Measurement of the appropriate hormone level in blood or urine is the most accurate method of determining if there is a tumor recurrence. Non secretory tumors do not produce an excessive hormone that can be measured in the blood or urine and the MRI scan is the best method of surveillance.
Complete removal of a tumor is the desired goal. However, a small minority of patients will have a recurrence of the tumor. Approximately 10% of patients will have a tumor recurrence within 10 years. Since it is not possible to predict which tumor will recur, all patients need regular medical follow up. Additionally, a tumor may recur 20 years or more after the original treatment. If the tumor is producing a hormone that causes particular symptoms (Cushing’s, Acromegaly, prolactin tumor), the patient is usually the first to recognize this. Measurement of the appropriate hormone level in blood or urine is the most accurate method of determining if there is a tumor recurrence. Non secretory tumors do not produce an excessive hormone that can be measured in the blood or urine and the MRI scan is the best method of surveillance. The answer to this question about pituitary tumors was developed by Mary Lee Vance, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Neurosurgery at the University of Virginia. Dr.
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). Since it is not possible to predict which patient’s tumor will recur, all patients need regular medical follow up. Additionally, a tumor may recur 20 years or more after the original treatment. If the tumor was producing a hormone that caused particular symptoms (Cushing’s, Acromegaly, prolactin tumor), the patient is usually the first to recognize this. Measurement of the appropriate hormone level in blood or urine is the most accurate method of determining if the tumor has recurred. Non secretory tumors, craniopharyngiomas and Rathke’s cleft cysts do not produce an excessive hormone that can be measured in the blood or urine. The MRI scan is the best method to follow this type
