Sinusitis

Sinusitis is when your sinuses become inflamed or infected. Acute sinusitis usually starts out with a common cold. Common colds can inflame the sinuses. If the symptoms do not go away after a few weeks the inflammation caused by the cold may result in swelling of the lining of the sinuses. Trapped mucous in the sinuses becomes ideal conditions for bacteria to grow. In chronic sinusitis the membranes are always thickened because the are constantly inflamed. Most people with chronic sinusitis also have asthma and allergies. Also, people with deviated septum may also develop chronic sinusitis. Symptoms may include headaches, jaw and tooth aches, facial swelling, stuffed up nose, ear aches, cough, and sore throat. CT scans are utilized to diagnose sinusitis based on fluid and air levels seen. Treatment for sinusitis may include antibiotics, nasal steroid spray, and pain relievers. When medicine does not work patients may have surgery. The surgeon will reduce the the blockage of the nasal passages and improve sinus drainage.

Orbital Meningiomas

Orbital Meningiomas are slow growing neoplasms. They can affect the cavernous sinus, optic nerve, and the intraorbital contents. Orbital meningiomas may also invade adjacent orbital tissue, bone, dura and muscle. These meningiomas are more common in adults and are rarely seen with children. Symptoms may include proptosis, visual disturbances, diplopia, and headaches. CT may be utilized for diagnosis, but a MRI is the modality of choice. Thinner slices of the orbits are utilized along with contrast to demonstrate the hyperintense tumor. The treatment plan depends on the age of the patient. With older patients follow up MRI's are utilized. With older patients these meningiomas tend to grow at a much slower rate. Younger patients usually under the age of 40 seem to have more aggresive lesions and should be removed surgically. A side effect from surgery may be visual loss due to the origin of the meningioma and size. After surgical removing, patients' prognosis is great with recurrences being very rare.

Prolactinoma

Prolactinomas produce an excessive amount of the hormone prolactin. Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland which aids in breast milk production. Some of the symptoms for women may include the production of breast milk without giving birth, irregular or loss of menstrual cycle, and decrease in libido. Men's symptoms may include gynecomastia. With large pituitary adenomas also called macroadenomas symptoms may also include headache, vision impairment, and pituitary failure. A MRI with thinner slices though the pituitary gland can adequately diagnose prolactinomas. Treatment plans for patients with small prolactinomas include medication to regulate prolactin levels. With medication the prolactinoma may be reduced in size. When medication is not affective, surgery is considered. These adenomas may be removed by transphenoidal surgery. Radiation is also an option for treatment. Prognosis for patients with smaller prolactinomas is great. Larger adenomas need aggressive treatment otherwise they may continue to grow. Follow up pituitary MRI scans are also recommended.