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Treatments for pituitary gland tumours

  1. Home
  2. Cancer information
  3. Cancer types
  4. Pituitary gland tumours
  5. Treatment
Print

If you have a pituitary gland tumour, your healthcare team will create a treatment plan just for you. It will be based on your health and specific information about the tumour. When deciding which treatments to offer you, your healthcare team will consider:

  • the type and size of the tumour
  • if the tumour has grown into (invaded) nearby areas
  • if the tumour makes too many hormones (called a functioning tumour) and which hormones are being made
  • any symptoms you are having
  • your personal preferences

Expert review and references

Treatments for pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNETs)

Treatments vary slightly between the different types of pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNETs). If the tumour makes too many hormones (called a functioning tumour), treatment depends on which hormones are being made.
Learn more on Treatments for pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNETs)

Treatments for pituitary carcinoma

Since pituitary carcinoma is only diagnosed after it has spread to another part of the body (metastasized), treatments are usually to control the symptoms of the disease rather than to treat the disease itself (palliative treatment). Treatment options may include surgery, drug therapy or radiation therapy.
Learn more on Treatments for pituitary carcinoma

Surgery for pituitary gland tumours

Surgery is usually used to treat pituitary gland tumours. The type of surgery you have depends mainly on the size and type of the tumour and if the tumour has grown into (invaded) nearby areas.
Learn more on Surgery for pituitary gland tumours

Radiation therapy for pituitary gland tumours

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy tumour cells. It is sometimes used to treat pituitary gland tumours.
Learn more on Radiation therapy for pituitary gland tumours

Drug therapy for pituitary gland tumours

Drug therapy uses drugs to treat pituitary gland tumours. Drug therapy is commonly used to treat pituitary gland tumours that make too much of certain hormones. It may also be used to return hormone levels to normal. Drug therapy is a systemic therapy that circulates throughout the body.
Learn more on Drug therapy for pituitary gland tumours

Follow-up after treatment for pituitary gland tumours

Pituitary gland tumours behave differently in each person, and a standard follow-up schedule would not work for everyone. People with a pituitary gland tumour should talk to their doctor about a follow-up plan that suits their individual situation. Follow-up for pituitary gland tumours is often shared among specialists, such as an endocrinologist and a neurosurgeon, and family doctor.
Learn more on Follow-up after treatment for pituitary gland tumours

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