Pituitary Macro-adenoma & Homeopathy!

Problem statement: Pituitary Macro-adenoma is a benign tumour which effects the pituitary gland. Now-a-days these cases of Pituitary macro-adenomas are being reported more frequently and these have become a challenge to treat as they have several symptoms and complications and also include several implications during the treatment.

Adenomas which exceed 10 millimetres in size are defined as Macro-adenomas. Those which are smaller are called as Micro-adenomas. Most of the Pituitary adenomas are undiagnosed and those diagnosed are often found as an incidental finding.

Pituitary adenomas are common and clinically active pituitary adenomas that require surgical intervention are rarer, affecting 1 in 1000 of the general population.

Signs and Symptoms: Pituitary adenomas are the major causes for the Hypopituitarism.

Some of the adenomas secrete more than one hormones like growth hormone and prolactin which will lead to unexpected bone growth and unexpected lactation.

A patient with Pituitary adenomas may present with visual field defects like hemianopia. The reason for this is because of the pressure it exerts on the optic nerve and its chiasma.

Pituitary adenomas will cause increased intra-cranial pressure. This may lead to various headaches.

Non-secreting adenomas can go undetected for an extended time because no obvious abnormalities are seen; the gradual reduction in normal activities due to decreased production of hormones. For example, insufficient adrenocorticotropic hormone means that the adrenal glands will not produce sufficient cortisol, resulting in slow recovery from illness, inflammation and chronic fatigue; insufficient growth hormone in children and adolescents leads to diminished growth but which can have many other manifestations.

Diagnosis-If it's suspected that you have a brain tumour, your doctor may recommend a number of tests and procedures, including:

A neurological exam. A neurological exam may include, among other things, checking your vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength and reflexes. Difficulty in one or more areas may provide clues about the part of your brain that could be affected by a brain tumour.

Imaging tests. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MRA (Magnetic resonance angiography) are commonly used to help diagnose brain tumours. In some cases, a dye may be injected through a vein in your arm during your MRI study.

Several specialized MRI scan components — including functional MRI, perfusion MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy — may help your doctor evaluate the tumour and plan treatment.

Other imaging tests may include computerized tomography (CT) scan and positron emission tomography (PET).

Conventional methods of Pituitary adenoma treatment:

Surgery is the common treatment for pituitary adenomas. Usually Trans-sphenoid adenectomy is the common procedure done without incision and will remove the tumour without affecting the brain or optic nerves.

In case of tumours which can’t be accessed through the nose and compressing the optic chiasma predominantly then open skull surgery will be done requiring craniotomy.

In case of non-secreting adenomas with minimal secretion of cortisol, steroid supplements will be the best option.

Homeopathic treatment for Pituitary adenomas:

The location of occurrence of this tumour being very sensitive will make it difficult to remove surgically as this tumour will closely adhere to the optic nerve. While surgical removal, the surgeon should be very cautious to approach and remove the tumour without interfering with the underlying optic nerve (if intervened may cause complete or partial visual loss).

Once removed there is every chance of its regrowth. Hence even after surgical intervention there is chances of it recurring again and again.

Hence if found early then Homeopathic treatment is the best method of treatment for it to cure preventing further recurrence.

Best Homeopathic medicines to cure Pituitary Adenomas:

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. Its strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When Brain tumour is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy, but the selection depends upon the individuality and constitution of the patient, considering the mental and physical symptoms. The most and best commonly used Homeopathic medicines to treat Pituitary adenomas are:

CONIUM MACULATUM 200- Conium maculatum is another excellent remedy for Brain tumour with nausea and vomiting. The person feels a sensation as if a foreign body was under the skull. A scorched feeling on top of head. Sensation of a lump in right half of brain. One side of head is numb and cold.  There is vertigo on turning the eyes, when lying down or turning over in bed. Gait difficult, which is staggering. There is sudden loss of strength while walking.

HELLEBORUS NIGER 200- Helleborus is excellent for Brain tumour with confusion. Headache ends in vomiting. The person rolls the head constantly with moaning. He bores his head into pillow for relief. The person feels that electric shock passes through the brain.

THUJA OCCIDENTALIS 200- Thuja occ is another effective remedy for Brain tumour with severe headache. The person feels pain as if pierced by a nail, better head backwards. Sweat on forehead and arms. The patient is emotional, sensitive, and irritable. The person desires acid and salty food.

CALCAREA CARB. 200- Calcarea carb is one of the best remedies for Brain tumour with headache and vertigo on turning the head. The person feels confusion as if the head were too full. He also experiences stitching pain in the skull. Complaints worse from cold and wet weather. There is icy coldness in and on the head, especially right side. Much perspiration on the head, which wets the pillow. Children with big head and large hard abdomen. Calcarea carb is suitable for fat, flabby persons, susceptible to cold. They have a special craving for eggs and indigestible things like dirt, chalk, coal, pencil etc.

KALI IODIDE 30- Kali iodide is best for Brain tumour with a syphilitic history. There is bilateral violent headache, as if screwed through the sides of the head, worse warmth and pressure. Hard painful lumps on cranium with headache. Pain is tense over eyes and root of nose. Brain feels enlarged. Pain in scalp as if ulcerated. Hair changes colour and falls off.