Your pituitary gland is a small organ at the base of your brain. It creates hormones that are released into your bloodstream.

A pituitary adenoma is a slow-growing, noncancerous tumor that develops in the pituitary gland. Some tumors create hormones, which can cause problems like hyperthyroidism or gigantism. If the adenoma grows too big, it can put pressure on your brain or blood vessels, creating a life-threatening situation.

Many pituitary adenomas are too small to cause any symptoms at all. Some symptoms may include:

• Achy joints or muscle weakness
• Behavior changes
• Changes to monthly periods
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Infertility
• Nasal drainage
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sexual dysfunction
• Unexplained weight gain or loss
• Vision problems

Our expert physicians provide comprehensive treatment for symptomatic pituitary adenomas. They use the latest treatments to shrink or destroy tumors while keeping the brain safe and healthy.

Tests

Blood Test
Blood tests can reveal if you have too much or too little of a hormone. Hormone imbalances may indicate a tumor.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
An MRI is an imaging scan of your brain that uses no radiation but creates a highly detailed image of your brain.

Treatments

Endoscopic Surgery
Doctors can use small incisions and specialized tools to remove the pituitary adenoma through your nose.

Open Surgery
If your tumor is too large or located in certain areas, your doctor may have to reach the tumor by making an opening in your skull.

Gamma Knife^® Radiosurgery
During Gamma Knife^® radiosurgery, multiple weak beams of radiation are pointed at your tumor. Where all the beams meet, there is strong radiation. You may need only one radiosurgery treatment to destroy the adenoma.

Medicines
In some cases, medicines can shrink the pituitary tumor. If the tumor shrinks enough, you may not need any other treatment.

Why Choose Us?

Sylvester is an NCI-designated cancer center. The National Cancer Institute has recognized Sylvester for its outstanding work conducting research in its laboratories, treating patients in its clinics and hospitals, and reaching out to medically underserved communities with innovative prevention strategies.

Groundbreaking brain tumor treatment. Experts from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and UHealth make up one of the largest and most complete teams for brain tumor treatment in the United States. Through multi-disciplinary cooperation, our team employs innovative procedures like awake craniotomies, Gamma Knife® radiosurgery, and many other techniques. We use the least invasive neurosurgical techniques on both adults and children, which reduces recovery time and makes a significant difference in your quality of life.

Dedicated brain tumor experts. Your care team consists of specialized physicians and researchers who are committed to brain tumor care. Your team may include neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, neuropathologists, and other physicians who focus solely on treating brain tumors. Their years of experience and expertise help you find the right treatment for you.

Innovative research that changes the future of brain tumor care. As the only academic medical center in the area, we are on the cutting edge of brain tumor treatment and research. As a patient, you also have access to the innovative research and the latest in clinical trials. Our ongoing translational and clinical research has spawned promising treatments like the heat shock protein vaccine and targeted therapies designed for your specific type of brain tumor.

International leaders in brain tumor care. We play a vital role in the community, thanks to our groundbreaking research and patient care for people in Florida, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. We’re turning Miami into the healthcare capital of the Americas. We’re creating one of the premier brain tumor centers in the country.

Surgical expertise. We perform thousands of brain tumor surgeries every year and care for more brain tumors than any other health center in Florida. Our skilled neurosurgeons are consistently pioneering new treatments. From minimally invasive spine surgeries to awake craniotomies, we offer unique surgeries you cannot find anywhere else in the region.

Concierge service. Patients do not have to figure it all out alone. Patients are assigned a concierge coordinator who is there for you and your family while you are in our care. They connect you with other providers you may need, walk you through the surgery process, and can answer any questions you or your family may have.