Pituitary Tumors

What are pituitary tumors?

The pituitary gland is a small bean-shaped gland found at the base of the skull, just behind the nose and between the eyes. It produces hormones that helps regulate important functions in the body.  

Pituitary tumors are abnormal growths that develop in your pituitary gland. Most pituitary tumors are noncancerous, or benign, growths growths called adenomas. Some of these tumors cause too much hormone in the body; some cause too little. Functioning tumors can create extra hormones and nonfunctioning can put pressure on other areas such as the pituitary gland.

How are pituitary tumors treated?

There are various options for treating pituitary tumors, including removing the tumor, and our surgeons are experts in the surgical treatment of this disorder.  

At Guthrie, we offer a minimally invasive approach to the surgical treatment of pituitary tumors.

During endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal surgery the tumor is removed through an “invisible” incision within the base of the nose. The tumor is removed without the surgeon ever having to enter the brain cavity itself. Patients typically recover quickly with minimal to no complications and can go home within two days.