Radiation Therapy: An Alternative Treatment Option
In certain cases where surgery and drug therapy fail to yield satisfactory results, radiation therapy may be considered as an alternative treatment option. This method involves the delivery of radiation in either low doses over a period of five or six weeks or a single, high dose. While radiation therapy has been found to successfully normalize prolactin levels in approximately 25 percent of patients, it is important to note that complications can arise from this treatment. Some potential complications include seizures, optic nerve damage, and hypopituitarism.
Intraoperative MRI
Addressing the challenge of accurately assessing the extent of tumor removal during surgical procedures for prolactinoma treatment is crucial. Factors such as membrane folds, arteries, or nerves can obstruct a surgeon’s view, making it difficult to determine the amount of tumor successfully removed. Additionally, this impediment can impact radiation treatment, as the dosage of radiation administered depends on the remaining tumor size. To overcome these obstacles, advanced hospitals now utilize magnetic resonance operating rooms equipped with open MRI systems. These state-of-the-art facilities enable surgeons to continuously access high-resolution brain images of their patients during the operation.