At Georgia Brain & Spine Center
The pituitary gland is the master gland of your body, secreting the hormones that control other glands. It is located at the base of your brain, behind the nose, in a bone-enclosed area called the sella. At times abnormal growths or tumors can arise from this region. Majority of such tumors in the region of the pituitary gland are benign but can cause symptoms by either causing pressure on important structures in the area, such as the optic nerves or chiasm, affecting the normal function of the pituitary gland, and at times by secreting hormones that affect the normal function of the body. The two most common growths in area of the pituitary gland are the Pituitary tumor or adenoma and the Rathke’s Cleft Cysts, which are both non-cancerous growths and have some similar features. Symptoms can include headaches, hormonal problems, and changes in vision. Sometimes these tumors do not cause symptoms and are discovered incidentally when your brain is scanned for a different reason.
Pituitary Tumor and Rathke’s Cleft Cyst Treatments
After performing a comprehensive neurological examination, ophthalmological evaluation, obtaining focused imaging studies, and evaluating your lab work, we will discuss your results with you and develop an individualized treatment plan. Treatment options may include close observation with serial imaging studies for small tumors that do not produce hormones. For some hormone-producing tumors, we may prescribe oral medications. For other hormone producing tumors or for large tumors that are compressing or invading into nearby brain structures surgical resection is indicated.
When surgery is necessary, pituitary tumors can often be resected through the nose in a minimally invasion fashion using an endoscope and microscope. This approach requires no brain retraction and does not leave an external scar. When this approach is not enough, our surgeons are also able remove these tumors through a traditional approach by removing a part of the skull or by using the non-invasive stereotactic radiosurgery, such as the Cyberknife. Like many other conditions, the treatment of pituitary tumors requires coordination of care amongst various specialists including ENT surgeons, ophthalmologists, and endocrinologists. We work closely along-side these specialists to ensure that you receive the best care possible.
If you have a pituitary tumor that is growing or causing problems, you may benefit from intervention. Please contact us at Georgia Brain & Spine Center to schedule an appointment.