About Pituitary Gland Cancer
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive endoscopic approach often avoids visible scars and open brain surgery.High precision targeting of the tumor helps preserve healthy pituitary tissue and critical surrounding structures.Effective in relieving symptoms caused by tumor pressure, such as vision loss and severe headaches.Can normalize abnormal hormone levels, addressing conditions like Cushing's disease or acromegaly.Provides a tissue sample for definitive diagnosis and pathological analysis.Often leads to a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery compared to traditional craniotomy./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of a pituitary adenoma or carcinoma (pituitary cancer) confirmed via MRI and endocrine testing.
- Tumors causing progressive vision loss or visual field defects due to pressure on the optic chiasm.
- Hormone-secreting tumors (functioning adenomas) that are not controlled by medication, such as those causing acromegaly, Cushing's disease, or prolactinomas resistant to drugs.
- Rapid tumor growth or signs of invasion into surrounding structures like the cavernous sinus.
- Pituitary apoplexy (sudden bleeding into a tumor) causing severe symptoms.
- Persistent headaches or other neurological symptoms directly linked to the tumor.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation including high-resolution MRI of the pituitary and full endocrine hormone panel blood tests.
- Consultations with a neurosurgeon, endocrinologist, and often an ophthalmologist for a baseline vision assessment.
- Possible pre-operative hormone replacement or medication to stabilize the patient's condition.
- Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as advised by the surgeon.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the surgery as per anesthesia guidelines.
- Pre-operative nasal decongestant sprays or washes may be prescribed to prepare the nasal passages.
Risks & possible complications
- Risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which may require additional repair.
- Potential for new or worsened pituitary hormone deficiencies, requiring lifelong replacement therapy.
- Damage to surrounding structures, potentially affecting vision, eye movement, or carotid artery injury (rare).
- Infection, such as meningitis or sinusitis.
- Bleeding or hematoma formation.
- Incomplete tumor removal, potentially necessitating further treatment like radiation therapy.
- Nasal complications like altered sense of smell, congestion, or septal perforation.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring neurological status, hormone levels, and for any CSF leak.
- Nasal packing is typically removed before discharge, and patients must avoid blowing their nose for several weeks.
- Close follow-up with endocrinology for hormone level checks and necessary replacement therapy.
- Post-operative MRI is usually scheduled within 3-6 months to assess for residual tumor.
- Avoidance of strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and bending over for 4-6 weeks to prevent pressure changes.
- Regular follow-up visits with the neurosurgery and endocrinology teams for long-term monitoring.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full hormonal stabilization and assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering pituitary gland cancer in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for pituitary gland cancer in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Cytecare Hospital, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform pituitary gland cancer. MediFyr helps you compare neurosurgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for pituitary gland cancer compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 350 Thousand – 850 Thousand | 3-7 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full hormonal stabilization and assessment | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 1.23 Million – 2.98 Million | 3-7 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full hormonal stabilization and assessment | Know More |
Top hospitals for Pituitary Gland Cancer in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing pituitary gland cancer.
Priya Khan, a 42-year-old high school...
Priya Khan, a 42-year-old high school biology teacher and mother of two, began experiencing unexplained fatigue, blurred vision, and irregular menstrual cycles. Initially attributing it to stress, she grew concerned when she started losing peripheral vision. An MRI revealed a pituitary macroadenoma with concerning features, suggesting possible cancer. Her neurosurgeon, Dr. Sharma, recommended an endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery to remove the tumor, explaining it was the least invasive approach to access the pituitary gland. Priya was terrified of brain surgery but found strength in her family and her desire to get back to her students. The surgery lasted five hours and was successful in achieving gross total resection. Recovery involved a week in the hospital managing nasal congestion and hormone replacement therapy. Six months later, her vision is nearly restored and her energy is returning, though she requires ongoing endocrine follow-up. Emotionally, she moved from a state of fear and denial to one of profound gratitude and a renewed focus on her health and family.
Neurosurgeons for Pituitary Gland Cancer
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform pituitary gland cancer and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 22 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 15 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada