(845) 802-0047When the average person thinks of cancer or tumors, it is unlikely that the pituitary gland – and its dysfunction – comes to mind. The pituitary gland is essential. It regulates the body’s hormones, which includes growth, metabolism, sexual maturation, blood pressure, reproduction, and many other vital physical functions. But, if a medical professional commits cancer malpractice by misdiagnosing or mistreating a pituitary tumor, a patient could potentially lose their vision. When this happens, they have the right to monetary compensation with the help of an Albany pituitary tumor malpractice lawyer.
What is a Pituitary Gland Tumor?
A pituitary tumor is a tumor that is located near the pituitary gland. This gland is located at the base of the brain, just above the optic nerve. The optic nerve crisscrosses like an “X” to the back part of the brain, known as the occipital lobe. The area at the center of the “X” is called the optic chiasm and the pituitary gland is located just below the optic chiasm.
When a pituitary gland tumor has been discovered, it is most likely to be a benign tumor or not malignant or harmful. However, it will grow upward from the base of the brain towards the optic chiasm, where it can stretch the optic chiasm from being horizontal to present at an angle. When this occurs, a patient can lose vision in one or both eyes due to compression of the optic nerve and the optic chiasm. Consequently, early diagnosis and treatment of a pituitary gland tumor is essential before it begins to compromise the optic nerve. An Albany pituitary tumor malpractice attorney can help you receive the monetary damages you deserve if a doctor fails to diagnose and treat this condition.
Symptoms of Pituitary Tumors
Double vision, blurriness, and poor peripheral vision are the most common symptoms of a pituitary gland tumor. Additional pituitary tumor symptoms could also include decreased libido, excessive thirst, frequent urination, menstrual disorders, and decreased appetite.
Imaging studies of the brain using a CAT scan or an MRI will show the location of the pituitary gland tumor and will also show whether the optic nerve or the optic chiasm are being compressed by the tumor.
In some cases where the patient is having the sudden onset of vision loss, double vision, or impaired vision, treating this condition may be an emergency medical procedure. If the tumor is not removed and the compression of the optic nerve is not released, blindness can result.
Negligent Medical Care
Because blindness is a possibility, the treatment and surgical removal of a pituitary gland tumor is time sensitive and essential. This operation is typically accomplished by inserting surgical instruments through the nasal cavity to the base of the brain and then laparoscopically removing the pituitary gland tumor.
If the surgeon damages another part of the brain during this process, or if a doctor fails to identify this type of tumor, a pituitary tumor malpractice lawyer in Albany could help you file for any damages you – or your loved one – has suffered. Because vision loss or complete blindness affects the type of job you can perform, the damages available for missing wages can be substantial.
Lost Vision? Call an Albany Pituitary Tumor Malpractice Attorney
Doctors and surgeons have a duty to provide the best possible care to their patients. If they are negligent in their actions, and you – or your loved ones – have suffered as a result, contact an Albany pituitary tumor malpractice lawyer to learn more about protecting your rights and receiving the monetary damages you deserve.