What is the mass around the pituitary in a pregnant woman?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am 36 years old and pregnant. I have been experiencing more headaches in the last several weeks. I had an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (non-contrast) yesterday and it stated that I have a mass around the pituitary. I am very scared. The doctor today said I can have no further tests until after I deliver the child (which is four months away). I am concerned if it could be cancer. Is there a way to know more diagnosis without jeopardizing the baby? What are the chances it is cancer? Is there anything I can do holistically?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. Yes, there is pituitary mass known as a pituitary adenoma (attachment removed to protect patient identity), there are hormonal studies you can go for: S. growth hormone level, S. IGF, S. prolactin, S.TSH, FT3, FT4, S. ACTH, S. cortisol. But the values of these hormones would be altered due to the effect of pregnancy. But I am reassuring you that it is not cancer, it is benign pituitary mass, increased in size during pregnancy and causing headache and visual trouble. Just complete your pregnancy without worrying about it, if your headache is severe and visual symptoms starts then we will think of neurosurgical opinion. Just wait and watch, it is not an emergency except your health worsens.