No. There are different methods of delivering radiation to the pituitary gland. Conventional (fractionated) radiation refers to delivery of a small amount of radiation every day for 4 to 5 weeks. Stereotactic radiation refers to delivery of a precisely focused beam of radiation to the remaining tumor, usually as one treatment (for example, the Gamma Knife, LINEAC, proton beam).

Hi. I'm a nursing student and I recently had a male patient, 64 yrs. old, who is diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus type 1, obesity, hypertension, a right below-the-knee amputation due to osteomyelitis, depression, chronic renal insufficiency, and a few other things, including poor wound healing. He has the typical Cushing's body type and the buffalo hump. He has no striae on his abdomen.

Radiation to the pituitary is not the first line of treatment for most pituitary tumors. It does not produce an immediate effect to lower excessive hormone production or shrink the tumor. Radiation is used when there is tumor remaining after surgery or when surgery cannot be performed. Pituitary radiation may take several years to be effective.

Exposure to gamma, beta, fast-neutron or x-ray radiation of 75 milliRoentgens per hour (mR/hr) is sufficient to trigger the low-level auto-alert. This includes Strontium 90, Cesium-137 and Cobalt-60, commonly available radioactive materials likely used in a dirty bomb (also called a radiological bomb). It will also detect radioactive iodine released from a nuclear reactor accident or fallout from a nuclear bomb. Yes.

Possible terrorist events could involve introducing radioactive material into the food or water supply, using explosives (like dynamite) to scatter radioactive materials (called a “dirty bomb”), bombing or destroying a nuclear facility, or exploding a small nuclear device.

Amounts of radiation released into the environment are measured in units called curies. However, the dose of radiation that a person receives is measured in units called rem. Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site of Oak Ridge Associated Universities: Radiation Accident Management

Natural radiation takes the same forms as "human-caused" radiations. All the same decays discussed above happen naturally. Radiation we are exposed to from our environment include Cosmic (high energy particles and EM from outside of our galaxy), Cosmic induced (C-14, Tritium made in the atmosphere by interactions with cosmic radiation), Solar (UV from the sun mostly, but in space can be particles), and terrestrial (Uranium, Thorium, Radon contained in the Earth itself).

The sun puts out three different types of ultraviolet radiation (UV): UVC, UVB, and UVA. According to NASA, UVC rays are the most harmful, but fortunately are completely absorbed by the ozone layer and normal oxygen. UVB rays--often called the "burning rays"--are mostly absorbed by the ozone layer, but a portion of UVB rays do get through. UVA is NOT absorbed by the ozone. Because UVC rays are completely absorbed by the ozone, they pose no threat to those of us here on Earth.

This link will take you to The Radiation Information Network..This site is maintained for the use by anyone with interests in radiation. All of the material has been reviewed and is believed to represent the current consensus of the facts on radiation and radiation protection. There may be a few building materials that will emit small amounts of radon gas such as granite, concrete, gypsum board (sheet rock), bricks, and field stone. However, this is RARELY the case.

A pituitary tumor is a tumor that begins in the pituitary gland. Most pituitary tumors are not cancer. In fact, cancerous pituitary tumors are so rare that state and national cancer agencies keep no record of how many people get them each year. Benign (non-cancerous) pituitary tumors are also rare. About 3,000 people get them each year.

The pituitary gland is a small gland located behind the nasal sinuses and above the roof of the mouth at the base of the skull. It is connected to the hypothalamus, a part of the brain. Together, the two control the production of many of the important hormones in the body. The pituitary gland sits in a tight bony space and has little room to grow or expand when swollen or if there is a tumor.

CDI itself does not interfere with menstruation or fertility. However, it may be associated with these or other problems if the disease or injury that caused the DI also damages adjacent parts of the brain or pituitary where other hormones are normally produced. Head trauma is one of the things that can cause this kind of collateral damage, but it does not always do so. Therefore, each patient with CDI must be evaluated separately to determine if any of the other hormones have been affected.

Different radiations present different kinds of problems. Gamma radiation is like X-rays: penetrating and shielded by lead and other dense materials. Note that x-ray machines are not radioactive. They create radiation when turned on. Beta radiation often accompanies gamma and consists of energetic electrons. Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons (the nucleus of a helium atom). They do not penetrate paper or skin, but could be of concern if inhaled or ingested.

Radiation is a special kind of energy carried by waves or a stream of particles. It can come from special machines or from radioactive substances. When radiation is used at high doses (many times those used for x-ray exams), it can treat cancer and other illnesses. Special equipment is used to aim the radiation at tumors or areas of the body where there is disease. The use of high-energy rays or particles to treat disease is called radiation therapy.

Pituitary tumors that affect hormones may cause a variety of symptoms, which are related to high hormone levels and production. These symptoms will be different in children than in adults. Growth hormone-secreting adenomas in children may cause: Other more rare kinds of pituitary tumors cause other symptoms. It is important for anyone who is experiencing any unusual symptoms to see their doctor.

In most cases, pituitary tumors are treated by surgery, radiation therapy, or by using drugs that block the tumor's ability to produce hormones. Surgery: The goal of surgery is to remove the entire tumor from the pituitary gland. This is possible with most microadenomas but may be less likely with macroadenomas. Sometimes the entire pituitary gland will have to be removed. Medications can provide the hormones that the pituitary gland used to produce.