Case Study 6 Benign Tumor in the Pituitary

Results of the research for the poster on the 8th RIEN Conference

Therapist: Débora Armada (Reflexology and TCM student in Centro de Reflexologia da Madeira since 2012)

Patient: female, 44 years old

Pathology: Benign Tumor in the pituitary - incidentaloma (<3mm) 

Diagnosis: 2012, through a routine MRI

Pituitary incidentalomas or Benign Tumor in Pituitary: the natural history of these lesions is not yet fully established. Although typically small (<10mm diameter) and clinically silent, some pituitary incidentalomas may cause mass efects by compressing neighbouring structures. Pituitary incidentalomas are, by definition, detected during the investigation of symptoms seemingly unrelated to pituitary lesion. However, a considerable number of patients have pathological conditionsattibutable to the hypophysis wich had not previously been appreciated mild symptoms, such as headaches, tinnitus, vision loss and paralysis of cranial nerves, as well as research of clinical evidence of hypopituitarism. Pituitary incidentalomas are a heterogeneous group of disorders, and treatment recommendations will vary. According to incidence and endocrine or neurological morbidity related to injury. Anyway, one important aspect that should be considered in all cases aspect is that knowledge of the existance of a mass seal is capable of causing considerable anxiety in patients and may result in reduced quality of life of these individuals.

Symptoms: the symptoms presented by the patient were: headache, dizziness and tinnitus.

Medication: the patient does not use the medication continuously, only when it presents some anxiety. She uses a food supplement (ansioval) containing substances traditionally used to improve sleep, decrease anxiety and reduce stress. Produces a sense of calm , tranquility and restful sleep.

Start of sessions: 05/11/2013

Treatment: 15 integrated reflexology sessions were conducted for a duration of one hour, with the frequency  of 2 times per week. The techniques applied were: Reaxation Tecnhiques, Eunice Ingham Method, Advanced Techniques, Su-jok, Metamorphic Technique, Technique of the vertebrae (C1, C5, C7), Moxibustion and Acupressure. In Acupressure points, L1, L3, SP6, LI4 and B&/ were stimulated. In all sessions were worked with different techniques the reflections Central and Peripheral Nervous System, Endocrine System, Pituitary, Liver, Stomach, Colon, Kidneys and Bladder.

Analysis of Results: throughout the therapeutic process, reflexology techniques were applied preventively and in reduction of symptoms. The techniques that were effective in the patient were the Advanced Techniques, Moxibustion and Acupressure; improvements were feltby the patient during the sessions. It was noted that the symptoms such as headaches an ringing sensation  decreased from the 4th session forward. Consequently the anxiety attacks are becoming less frequent, thus reducing the number of times the same recourse to medication.

Conclusion: it was concluded that reflexology treatments helped the patient to improve her quality of life. She is quite a calmer patient, handles better with her disease and is attentive to its progression.

feet at session 1

feet at session 15