Researchers looked at 212 patients treated at a single hospital for non-functioning pituitary tumors. These are tumors that do not produce excess hormones. The patients had surgery to remove the tumor tissue. On average, they were checked for about 39 months after the procedure.
About 44 percent of patients had the tumor completely removed during the first operation. However, only 29 percent remained free of tumor growth long-term. Among those with some tumor left behind, roughly 64 percent stayed stable, while 36 percent saw their tumors grow. The study found that patients with larger tumors before surgery were more likely to experience progression.
This was a retrospective study, meaning doctors looked back at past records rather than planning the care ahead of time. It was also done at just one medical center. Because of this, the results show links between factors but cannot prove cause and effect. The findings suggest doctors might use tumor size to help plan follow-up care.
Patients should discuss these numbers with their doctors to understand their own risks. This information supports personalized decisions about monitoring and treatment options. It does not guarantee outcomes for any specific person.