Pituitary tumor symptoms: joint, muscle and body aches
Hi. I am new to this. And not sure I'm in the right category. I was diagnosed with a pituitary tumor in November. However, I have been experiencing terrible joint, muscle and body aches for a year now. No doctor knows why and nobody can confirm its from the tumor. I'm frustrated and becoming very hopeless and depressed. Can anyone with a pituitary tumor relate to body pain?
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) Support Group.
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@pam56
Hello, I had a pituitary removed in 2016. By 2020, more came back. If cells are left behind they can grow back, I did not think to ask my surgeon how do they get rid of all the cells. Even though these tumors are not cancerous they can be life threatening. Meaning, if they grow and attach on the carotid artery that leads to the brain it can be fatal depending the the size and location because the tumor can cut off blood flow. Or, if it grows and presses against the optic nerve a person can loose sight. Either way its better to get them taken care of before they do become problematic for the surgeon especially depending on location. Ask your surgeon to show you exactly where its located. Once you see, then ask about complications. I did not do that. I wish I did because I lost my sense of smell. Because the instrument they use to go into your nose can damage the smell sensors in your nose like mine. Note: If your Primary doctor seems laxed about your condition, get a second opinion and see a team of specialized neurologist who can help you promptly.
Most Pituitary tumors are non-cancerous.
Hello,
Regarding your prolactin numbers, anything under 12 is normal. Anything above 12 is abnormal. My number was in the 50's then jumped to 100. I was tested and the result was pituitary tumor. I had surgery because the tumor was laying between my carotid artery and optic nerve. If they are not removed you can go blind due to it growing on the nerve and pressing it flat and/or cut off your blood flow to the brain from your artery which can be fatal. Even though a high percent of these tumors are not cancerous they can be deadly and should be taken seriously. I am one who went through it and still struggling.
Hello @picturemanz and welcome to Mayo Connect. In your post, you mention being diagnosed with a pituitary tumor. How long ago was this diagnosed? Here is a link from the Epilepsy Foundation website describing a focal onset impaired awareness seizure: https://www.epilepsy.com/what-is-epilepsy/seizure-types/focal-onset-impaired-awareness-seizures?
Did this seizure disorder begin at the same time as your diagnosis of the pituitary tumor? What type of treatment are you receiving for the seizures and the tumor?
I look forward to hearing from you again.
Hello,
Has anyone had focal impaired awareness seizures with pituitary tumor diagnosis?
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1 ReactionI look forward to hearing from you again, @pamp56
Hi, I've been reading about this adenoma & what it's possible issues can be but, after reading comments about issues others are having, I too are having some of them & was unaware the adenoma may be the culprit of these issues. Like I said before, the doctors aren't too concerned because it's non functioning & tests are "normal". However, I'm discovering it may be causing issues from the pressure of the growth pushing on the pituitary stalk, optic nerve & brain. I'm waiting for approval to go out of network to a UC Davis neurosurgeon but I'm staying in constant contact with my GP & Endocrinologist. I'll discuss seeing an oncologist at my next appointment.
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1 ReactionIt would be a good idea to educate yourself about this type of tumor. I encourage you to read the article from the American Cancer Society. I look forward to hearing from you again when you have more information, @pamp56.
Do you have any follow up appointments scheduled yet?
Hi & thank you for your reply! No, my doctors haven't recommended an oncologist, only a neurosurgeon. I just completed an ophthalmology test & they're digesting that info. Its slow going & they don't seem to think anything of it! I guess I just have to wait & see, but I'll discuss an oncologist with them to see what they think. This is all so confusing because I'm trusting others with my care & even i don't understand what the ramifications might be. I'll keep you posted with what I find.
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1 ReactionHello @pamp56 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I am sorry to hear of these new symptoms that have developed. I'm sure that must be frustrating for you. I see that you are looking for a referral to a neurologist. Have you already consulted an oncologist? I found some interesting information from the American Cancer Society website about treatment for these non-functional pituitary tumors. Here is a link to that information, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/pituitary-tumors/treating/non-functional-tumors.html
After reading the article, I noticed that there are treatments such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Have your doctors recommended that you see an oncologist?