Brain Cancer

Pituitary Adenomas

Pituitary adenomas are benign tumors that develop in the pituitary gland. They may have very different characteristics. If you have a pituitary adenoma, you may have symptoms that can affect your quality of life — due to the hormones these tumors may produce — or you may have no symptoms at all. At NewYork-Presbyterian, we perform a full evaluation of your tumor and develop a customized plan of care for you. Our approach is distinguished by:

A Team of Specialists

We'll assemble the team of experts you need for your care. Together your team members will explore your options and reach a consensus about the best course of care for you.

Personalized Treatment

Your pituitary adenoma treatment depends upon many factors: your tumor’s size, whether it’s pressing on surrounding tissue, whether it produces a hormone, and, if so, which one (such as prolactin or ACTH). You may have hormonal medications, surgery, and/or radiation therapy as part of your treatment.

Advanced Methods to Locate Your Tumor

We use specialized methods to identify pituitary adenomas. These include advanced imaging and inferior petrosal sinus sampling.

Hormonal Therapy

We'll classify your pituitary adenoma as either functioning or non-functioning. If your pituitary adenoma is functioning, that means it is making hormones, such as those that stimulate the thyroid gland or stimulate growth. We use highly effective medications to help stop this abnormal hormone production. In some cases, medication is the only treatment you need. In other cases, we may use hormonal therapy to shrink the tumor before surgery. Finally, these medications may be used following surgery to keep the tumor under control.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

If you need surgery, our neurosurgeons are highly skilled in the most advanced procedures for treating pituitary adenomas. We carefully plan each procedure using refined mapping and imaging techniques to maximize the removal of the tumor in the safest manner possible. Using endonasal endoscopic surgery, we can often remove even large pituitary tumors through the nostrils, with no incisions and no scarring. NewYork-Presbyterian's neurosurgeons have advanced training in endoscopic techniques and are leaders who train other surgeons in its use.

Precision Radiation Therapy

You may have radiation therapy after we remove your tumor, to kill any remaining cells so your tumor is less likely to grow back, if surgery is not an option or your symptoms persist despite hormonal medication. We offer several types of stereotactic radiosurgery, which offers precise, high-dose radiation treatment. Our neurosurgeons work closely with our radiation oncologists to determine the best course of treatment for you.