Hi,I am Dr. Shanthi.E (General & Family Physician). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
Hi Doc, I am a nurse with a 76 year old husband who may have a pituitary adenoma. He is being worked up now. my question: if he elects not to have surgery for this (he is scared to death), what is the likelihood that treatment with somatostatin analogs would bring about a significant lowering of his GH? Thanks, Tracy
Hi Tracy, thanks for your question and I'm glad to help with your concerns.
A general rule in endocrine surgery is that all growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas are treated surgically. Somatostatin analogues are only prescribed as post-operative adjunctive treatment.
After surgery for growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas, radiotherapy and medical therapy are instituted to further reduce growth hormone secretion.
So, i'm sorry but surgery is the definitive treatment for your husband.
I'd be glad to hear from you if you've got more questions or need more clarity.
Best regards.
I find this answer helpful
You found this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
How Can severe Pituitary Adenoma Be Treated?
Hi Tracy, thanks for your question and I m glad to help with your concerns. A general rule in endocrine surgery is that all growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas are treated surgically. Somatostatin analogues are only prescribed as post-operative adjunctive treatment. After surgery for growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas, radiotherapy and medical therapy are instituted to further reduce growth hormone secretion. So, i m sorry but surgery is the definitive treatment for your husband. I d be glad to hear from you if you ve got more questions or need more clarity. Best regards.