Pituitary Adenoma

At Montefiore Einstein Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, you can access exceptional care for pituitary adenoma. As a global leader in otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery, we are an academic-based, national and international referral site for the most complex and high-risk cases. For over a century, we have been at the forefront of innovation, research and clinical care for ear, nose and throat (ENT) and head and neck conditions.

Ranked in the top 1% of all hospitals in the nation for complex specialty care according to U.S. News & World Report, Montefiore Einstein continues to make advances in the diagnosis and treatment of ENT and head and neck conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of world-renowned specialists has pioneered many of the otorhinolaryngological techniques used today and is passionate about uncovering the latest diagnostic approaches and treatments that can improve outcomes.

At Montefiore Einstein Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, you can expect compassionate, personalized, research-driven treatment plans that meet the highest standards for quality and safety.

When you need pituitary adenoma care, turn to our dedicated multidisciplinary team for a personalized treatment plan.

What Are Pituitary Adenomas?

A pituitary adenoma is a benign (noncancerous) growth on the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a small gland joined to the base of the brain, the hypothalamus, directly behind the nose. Unlike cancer, adenoma doesn’t spread to other parts of the body. However, as they grow, pituitary adenomas can put pressure on nearby structures and cause symptoms. The pituitary has two lobes which release the following hormones:

  • Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH, or corticotropin)
  • Antidiuretic hormone (ADH, or vasopressin)
  • Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
  • Growth hormone (GH)
  • Luteinizing hormone (LH)
  • Oxytocin
  • Prolactin
  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Pituitary adenomas are categorized based on their size—smaller or larger than 10 centimeters—and whether or not they produce extra hormones. Types of pituitary adenomas include:

  • Functioning (secreting) adenomas, which release extra pituitary hormones, causing specific symptoms and/or conditions depending on the hormone it releases
  • Nonfunctioning (nonsecreting) adenomas, which don’t release hormones but can compress nearby structures if they grow

Causes of Pituitary Adenomas

The exact cause of pituitary adenomas is unknown. However, they are associated with certain genetic conditions, including:

  • Carney complex
  • Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1
  • Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 4
  • Neurofibromatosis type 1
  • Succinate dehydrogenase-related familial pituitary adenoma
  • Von Hippel–Lindau syndrome
  • X-linked acrogigantism (X-LAG) syndrome

Signs & Symptoms of Pituitary Adenomas

Symptoms of pituitary adenoma vary widely and may include:

  • Headaches
  • Hormonal deficiency—each pituitary hormone deficiency causes different symptoms
  • Vision problems

Diagnosing Pituitary Adenomas

Pituitary adenomas are diagnosed with a comprehensive medical exam.

  • Blood tests: Depending on your symptoms, your healthcare provider may order blood tests to check certain hormone levels.
  • Eye exam: If you’re having problems with your vision, your healthcare provider might have you take a visual field test to check your eye function. Large pituitary adenomas can put pressure on the nerves that connect your eyes to your brain and cause vision issues.
  • Imaging tests: A computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides images of the structures inside your head and can confirm the diagnosis of a pituitary adenoma.

Treating Pituitary Adenomas

Pituitary adenomas are primarily treated with surgery, radiation, medication or a combination of the three. Treatment options include:

  • Medication: Healthcare providers can treat some types of pituitary adenomas with medication that shrinks the adenoma and relieves symptoms. These medications include dopamine agonist therapy medications, such as cabergoline or bromocriptine.
  • Radiation therapy: A special form of radiation therapy called stereotactic radiosurgery is used for pituitary adenomas. It delivers a high dose of radiation directly to the adenoma to prevent it from growing.
  • Transsphenoidal surgery: The neurosurgeon reaches the tumor through the nasal passages and the sphenoid sinus to perform surgery.