Pituitary Tumor

Diagnosis and endoscopic surgical treatment of pituitary gland tumors in Lahore, Pakistan

What is a Pituitary Tumor?

The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain, just behind the bridge of the nose. Despite its size, it controls many of the body's essential hormones — including those regulating growth, thyroid function, adrenal function, and reproduction. A pituitary tumor is an abnormal growth arising from this gland.

Most pituitary tumors are benign adenomas. They are broadly classified by size — microadenomas (under 1 cm) and macroadenomas (1 cm or larger) — and by whether they actively secrete excess hormone ("functioning" tumors, such as prolactinomas or growth-hormone-secreting tumors causing acromegaly) or are hormonally silent ("non-functioning" tumors).

Dr. Waqas Mehdi, FCPS Neurosurgeon at MidCity Hospital Lahore, evaluates patients with suspected pituitary tumors and performs endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for tumors requiring surgical removal, working alongside endocrinology for pre- and post-operative hormonal management.

Symptoms of a Pituitary Tumor

!Loss of peripheral (side) vision or blurred vision

!Persistent headaches

!Irregular or absent menstrual periods

!Unexplained milk production (galactorrhea), even in men

!Enlarged hands, feet, or facial features (acromegaly)

!Unexplained fatigue and weakness

!Low libido or erectile dysfunction

!Weight changes, especially in the abdomen

Common Types of Pituitary Tumors

Prolactinoma

The most common functioning pituitary tumor. Secretes excess prolactin, causing irregular periods, unexplained milk production, and infertility. Often treated successfully with medication alone (dopamine agonists) rather than surgery.

Non-Functioning Adenoma

Does not secrete excess hormone but can grow large enough to compress the optic nerves (causing vision loss) or the normal pituitary gland (causing hormone deficiency). Usually requires surgery once symptomatic.

Growth Hormone-Secreting Tumor

Causes acromegaly in adults — enlarged hands, feet, and facial features, joint pain, and increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. Surgery is typically the first-line treatment.

ACTH-Secreting Tumor (Cushing's Disease)

Causes excess cortisol production, leading to weight gain, thinning skin, muscle weakness, and high blood pressure. Requires prompt surgical treatment.

Diagnosis

MRI Brain (Pituitary Protocol): Dedicated thin-slice MRI through the pituitary region is the key imaging test to identify the tumor's size and its relationship to the optic nerves and surrounding structures.

Hormonal Blood Tests: Measures prolactin, growth hormone/IGF-1, cortisol, thyroid hormones, and other pituitary hormones to determine whether the tumor is functioning and to check for hormone deficiency.

Formal Visual Field Testing: Assesses whether the tumor is compressing the optic nerves, which is important both for diagnosis and for planning the urgency of treatment.

Treatment Options

Medical Management

Prolactinomas often respond very well to dopamine agonist medications (cabergoline, bromocriptine), shrinking the tumor and normalising hormone levels without surgery in many cases.

Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery

The standard surgical approach for most pituitary tumors — the tumor is removed through the nasal cavity using an endoscope, with no external incision or brain retraction required. Offers faster recovery than traditional open surgery.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Used for residual or recurrent tumor tissue after surgery, or for patients unfit for surgery — delivers focused radiation to the tumor while sparing surrounding brain tissue.

Ongoing Hormonal Follow-Up

Regular monitoring of hormone levels and MRI is essential after treatment, in coordination with an endocrinologist, to detect recurrence or hormone deficiency early.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pituitary tumor?

A pituitary tumor (pituitary adenoma) is an abnormal growth in the pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain that controls many of the body's hormones. Most pituitary tumors are benign (non-cancerous) and grow slowly.

Who treats pituitary tumors in Lahore?

Dr. Waqas Mehdi, FCPS Neurosurgeon and Assistant Professor at KEMU/Mayo Hospital, Lahore, manages pituitary tumors surgically, often in coordination with endocrinology colleagues for hormonal assessment and follow-up.

What are the symptoms of a pituitary tumor?

Symptoms vary depending on whether the tumor produces excess hormones or compresses surrounding structures. Common signs include vision changes (especially loss of peripheral/side vision), headaches, irregular menstrual periods, unexplained milk production, changes in facial appearance or hand/foot size (acromegaly), fatigue, and low libido.

How are pituitary tumors treated?

Small, hormonally inactive tumors may simply be monitored. Larger tumors, or those causing visual loss or hormonal disturbance, are typically treated with endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (through the nose), medication (particularly for prolactin-secreting tumors), or a combination of both.

Is pituitary tumor surgery done through the nose?

Yes — the majority of pituitary tumors today are removed via the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach, which reaches the tumor through the nasal cavity without any external incision or brain retraction, offering faster recovery than traditional open craniotomy.

Get an Expert Opinion on a Pituitary Tumor

If you have vision changes, hormonal symptoms, or an incidentally found pituitary tumor, consult Dr. Waqas Mehdi for a thorough evaluation. MidCity Hospital, Lahore — Mon to Sat, 6–8 PM.

Call: 0300-8482624 Book Appointment

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