At the OSUCCC – James, cancer researchers and world-renowned diagnostic experts continually focus on studying pituitary cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. In fact, the OSUCCC – James consistently paves the way in leading-edge therapies and discoveries, leading to even more highly targeted care and treatment.
Not only are expert cancer researchers at the OSUCCC – James continually working to detect and diagnose pituitary cancers early, but they are also developing additional tests to detect and diagnose cancer even earlier, leading to improved outcomes, faster responses and fewer side effects.
Screening for Pituitary Cancer
Cancer screening exams can help find cancer at its earliest stage, when the chances for successful treatment are greatest. These tests are usually done when the patient is healthy and has no specific symptoms.
Although there are currently no screening tests recommended to detect pituitary cancers that show no signs or symptoms, expert cancer researchers at the OSUCCC – James are working to develop tests that can detect and diagnose the disease as early as possible, leading to improved outcomes, faster responses and fewer side effects.
One of the best ways to help detect pituitary cancer early is to understand the symptoms and risk factors of the disease and to see a doctor immediately if you have any concerns.
Pituitary Cancer Risk Factors
A pituitary cancer risk factor is anything that increases your chances of developing the disease. The following genetic factors may play a role in developing pituitary cancer:
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome
- Carney complex
- Isolated familial acromegaly
(Source: National Cancer Institute)
If you or a family member has any of the above genetic conditions , you should ask your doctor about getting a blood test to further test for the presence of pituitary tumors.
Not everyone with risk factors will get pituitary cancer. But having certain risk factors can increase your risk of developing the disease. If you are at high risk for pituitary cancer, talk to your doctor about tests to detect the disease.
If you’ve been diagnosed with pituitary cancer, would like a second opinion or would like to speak with a pituitary cancer specialist, please call The James Line at 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.