If a tumor was successfully removed why are regular visits, blood tests and MRIs necessary?
A minority of patients with pituitary tumors will have a recurrence of the tumor after the initial surgery. Even in the best surgical hands, a significant minority of patients will have a tumor recurrence within 10 years and many will require additional treatment (medical, 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 and/or urine is the most accurate method of determining if the tumor has recurred. 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 to follow this condition.
A minority of patients with pituitary tumors will have a recurrence of the tumor after the initial surgery. Even in the best surgical hands, a significant minority of patients will have a tumor recurrence within 10 years and many will require additional treatment (medical, 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 and/or urine is the most accurate method of determining if the tumor has recurred. 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 to follow this condition.
