Abstract
Pituitary adenomas are the most common tumours of the sellar region. A combination of neurosurgery, radiation and pharmacological approaches are applied for the treatment of pituitary adenomas.
In certain cases, patient observation is another option. Neurosurgery is the first-choice treatment for acromegaly, Cushing's disease and TSH secreting adenomas.
Leksell gamma knife irradiation is used in the treatment of tumour residues. Until the effect of the irradiation is evident, pharmacological treatment must be administered.
Large and/or growing non-functioning pituitary adenomas are operated. Irradiation is possible if there is sufficient distance between the margin of the adenoma and the optic pathway.
The primary therapy for prolactinomas is pharmacological treatment with dopamine agonists. Multidisciplinary collaboration among endocrinologists, neurosurgeons and radiosurgeons is necessary in the treatment of pituitary adenomas.