Long Term Effects

CCS is dedicated to supporting families impacted by Long Term Effects (LTE’s) of childhood cancer. Whilst we have no role in medical aspects of treatment, we are keen to pass on helpful contacts which may be of benefit to our families. This page contains information taken from other publications in the hope that it may be of interest to some of you particularly impacted by LTE’s which include pituitary problems.

Certain brain tumours and/or surgery to those tumours can damage the pituitary gland (which is a small, pea shaped structure situated underneath, the brain.) The anterior lobe of the pituitary glad is very sensitive to the effects of radiation treatment and one or more of its hormones frequently stop functioning in the years after radiotherapy. The anterior pituitary lobe makes a number of hormones, including growth hormone.

Some of these hormones control other hormone producing glands in the body such as thyroid, adrenal and sex hormone glands (ovaries and testes). It is important to understand that the prospect of radiation damage to the pituitary gland is indirect and can be very slow. It may take up to twenty years for the full spectrum of hormone deficiency to evolve. The posterior lobe of the pituitary is not damaged by radiotherapy.

However, some children and adolescents who have had damage in the region of this gland, due to a brain tumour, may experience problems of salt and water control caused either by the tumour itself or by necessary surgery in the area. (Source: Long Term Effects of Cancer Treatment by M Zacharin, K Tiedemann and M Sexton. 2001: included with permission from Miranova Publishers, Melbourne).

For your individual situation you are advised to speak with your own oncologist who has the details on your particular case.

A number of long term survivors have also received support and greater awareness from contact with the Australian Pituitary Foundation Ltd and the Pituitary Seminars which they hold from time to time, featuring many specialist speakers.

The pituitary gland is commonly referred to as the master gland because of the role it plays in controlling the function of all aspects of the body’s vital endocrine gland. These glands produce our hormones, complex secretions which define the differences between men and women; control our fertility, our emotions, our sex drive, and virtually make life worth living. Any disturbance of pituitary function by way of tumours, illness or injury is potentially devastating.

The Australian Pituitary Foundation Ltd. is a support group of pituitary patients, their families and professional community members. They have support gatherings three monthly in Brisbane and telephone contact between consenting members as well as providing educational seminars and informal talks. Pituitary Awareness week brings together a number of experts in the field providing a patient information seminar, and a booth at Princess Alexandra Hospital, to share lots to enlightening information.

Sufferers of this condition may feel quite isolated and devastated at the time of diagnosis and APF are keen to provide support. If you would like further information please contact 1300 331 807 or email support@pituitary.asn.au
The Queensland Chapter Secretary is Ms Sue Kozil and is available after business hours on 07 3376 2083 or email qld@pituitary.asn.au