I think many people make the mistake of blowing off the diagnosis of a pituitary tumor. I know that I did. The word “benign” is misleading. I strongly suggest those who have one to check out this overall explanation by the Pituitary Network Association. Especially helpful to me was the letter by Robert Knutzen (the founder), explaining why it is so important to get the right help. Here’s the letter:

If you are just learning about pituitary tumors and the many associated problems and hormonal disorders let us start with a frank discussion of where you are: Pituitary Tumors, though described in some textbooks as “benign” can be very aggressive and can do irreparable harm. Some can even be lethal IF NOT PROPERLY TREATED! 

Do not allow your physicans, or yourself or family to treat these tumors lightly or in a start and stop fashion. Get highly qualified professional help. As with cancer or heart disease, you need expert help, only. The last sixty years have been remarkable in pituitary endocrinology. In the 1930’s for instance, Cushings Disease was a death sentence; patients lived an average of 4.7 years after presentation of illness. In the 1950’s, the five year survival rate was 50%. The cure rate for microadenomas today is approximately 90% and improving. Experts in Neurosurgery and Pituitary Endocrinology have so improved the cure rate in a mere 60 plus years that the general medical community, and certainly insurance companies and others, tend to think of Pituitary Disease the way they think of Polio. The threat is over and the scourge has left us. Sadly, with Pituitary Tumors this is not the case. Each and every patient has to be evaluated and “fought for” or the battle may be lost.

These tumors act and grow differently in every patient. A correct diagnosis and treatment plan is essential for the survival of many of us. Yes, clearly, in many they are slow growing and may cause little apparent outward damage. Regretably, many with so called “incidental” or “non-secreting” tumors often have symptoms which their physicians simply forget or are untrained to ask about. Sexual function, mental health, overall ability to function and fit in, are all vital aspects of our lives. The tumor may not “take” our life but may in fact change it to the point of lowering the patient and his or her family into a “living hell”. Study, learn, seek expert help and join the PNA as we continue to bring you the REAL facts about these insidious diseases and their often fateful consequences.

We do not mean to alarm you, but in the past twelve years we have witnessed enough deaths and suffering to know with certainty that no one has the right to deceive you about the issues you face. We do not yet have ALL the facts, nor are we here to console you. We are here to inform and alert you about Pituitary and Hormonal disorders. If we help save your life and make it better, we have succeeded. Good luck and God Bless.

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