Question: My daughter just had and MRI. They said it appears she has a nodule on her pituitary gland. She has to have another MRI to look more closely. What could this possibly mean for her? How serious?
Brief Answer:
one of the more common brain lesions
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
There are different types of growths that can be present on the pituitary.
It is possible that it is a pituitary adenoma but this would be determined by the additional tests.
Pituitary adenomas are NON cancerous growths that are found on the pituitary gland. It is estimated that 1 out of 10 persons may have one of these in their lifetime.
The mortality (risk of death) associated with pituitary growth is very low due to advances in medical and surgical care. This means that very few persons with pituitary growths die due to the growths, it can occur but it is very rare.
In addition to further imaging, her doctors may suggest blood tests to check the levels of different hormones that are released in the pituitary.
Her vision may also be assessed to make sure that there is no impact on this.
Summary: (1)growths or nodules on the pituitary are very common,
(2)it is a rare cause of mortality
(3)further testing would determine if it is having significant effects and if so, there is effective treatment available
As a parent it is understandable to be worried but she should be ok
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (9 minutes later)
They did blood tests before her MRI. The nurse said those were all ok/normal. Does this make one tend to lean towards any diagnosis or another? I mean BEFORE we do the additional MRI and vision test.
Brief Answer:
the mri is needed for definite diagnosis
Detailed Answer:
Hi
The MRI provides important information regarding the exact size , nature or consistency and the relation to other structures in the brain.
The fact that the blood tests were normal is good, this means that it is not large enough to effect the production or release of important hormones but the additional testing is still needed for definitive diagnosis.
Most are pituitary adenomas (non cancerous) but the tests would show for sure.
It may need to be removed to be sent to the lab for analysis
Please feel free to ask any other questions
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Suggest Treatment For Nodule On Pituitary Gland
Brief Answer:
one of the more common brain lesions
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
There are different types of growths that can be present on the pituitary.
It is possible that it is a pituitary adenoma but this would be determined by the additional tests.
Pituitary adenomas are NON cancerous growths that are found on the pituitary gland. It is estimated that 1 out of 10 persons may have one of these in their lifetime.
The mortality (risk of death) associated with pituitary growth is very low due to advances in medical and surgical care. This means that very few persons with pituitary growths die due to the growths, it can occur but it is very rare.
In addition to further imaging, her doctors may suggest blood tests to check the levels of different hormones that are released in the pituitary.
Her vision may also be assessed to make sure that there is no impact on this.
Summary: (1)growths or nodules on the pituitary are very common,
(2)it is a rare cause of mortality
(3)further testing would determine if it is having significant effects and if so, there is effective treatment available
As a parent it is understandable to be worried but she should be ok
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions