How Are Pituitary Tumors Treated?

Somatostatin Analogs

In some cases, pituitary tumors may force the body to create too many hormones. These excess hormones may result in a symptom set called carcinoid syndrome. If a patient's pituitary tumor does this, they may take somatostatin analogs. This medication seems to be an artificial form of somatostatin. This substance seems to help the body with hormone regulation. It should slow the production of gut hormones, insulin, and growth hormone, among others. It seems to be a crucial part of stomach and bowel emptying as well. Taking this medication may help patients with pituitary tumors and carcinoid syndrome. Specific symptoms it treats may include skin flushing and diarrhea. This medication may also be able to shrink the patient's tumor.

This type of medication seems to be given through an injection every four weeks. Nurses should give the injections to patients. However, they may also teach patients how to do it themselves.

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