When is radiotherapy recommended for pituitary tumour?

A pituitary tumour can affect hormone production, vision, or nearby brain structures. Specialists review hormone tests, eye and visual-field assessments, and MRI scans. Radiotherapy is often considered when an operation cannot remove all of the tumour, when a residual tumour changes on scans, or when medicines do not control hormone activity. Some small, carefully targeted treatments focus on the remaining area while limiting exposure to surrounding tissue.

Effects may develop gradually rather than immediately. Tiredness, headaches, skin changes, or later changes in pituitary hormone function are possible. Long-term blood tests and hormone replacement review may therefore be part of follow-up.

Bring your hormone medicines and recent scan or blood-test information to the appointment. Tell the team about changes in vision, headaches, thirst, urination, menstrual or sexual function, and energy. Ask how treatment could affect hormone replacement, work, driving, pregnancy planning, and eye monitoring. Keep every endocrine, eye, and imaging follow-up visit.

Seek urgent medical help for sudden or worsening loss of vision, a severe new headache, repeated vomiting, confusion, collapse, or unusual extreme thirst with frequent urination. These symptoms can signal pressure or hormone problems that need rapid assessment.

Ask what the scans and hormone tests show, why radiotherapy is preferred now, and whether surgery or medicine remains an option. Discuss the target, expected timing of hormone changes, eye protection, follow-up scans, and symptoms that require immediate advice.