Pituitary gland tumor diagnosis

Pituitary tumors, statistically, account for about 15% of intracranial neoplasms. They are equally often diagnosed in persons of both sexes, usually between 30 and 40. To identify them, doctors examine possible signs of health problems and ask the patient about symptoms, risk factors, and family diseases. Several studies are then assigned:Lab blood and urine tests show the number of hormones in the patient. For example, an elevated level of follicle-stimulating hormone may indicate the presence of a tumor in the pituitary gland. Ophthalmic examination is essential for assessing the quality of vision, the fundus condition, and the optic nerves' affecting. Biopsy – taking a piece of tissue to study the properties of its cells can cause several serious side effects. Therefore, it is rarely prescribed as an independent procedure. In some cases, it is performed after the surgical removal of a tumor. The most informative is the diagnosis of pituitary tumors with the help of computers and MRIs. Visualization creates a detailed image of internal tissues. It lets to see pituitary tumors with a diameter of less than 3 mm. Computed tomography confirms the presence of a tumor and its exact size. It is often used in cases of contraindications to the use of MRI, in emergencies, or in situations where it is impossible to examine any other way.