Pituitary adenoma surgery removes a tumor from the pituitary gland, a small hormone-producing gland located beneath the brain behind the nasal cavity. Most pituitary adenomas are benign and slow growing, but they can affect vision, hormone balance, metabolism, and neurological function. Treatment may include medication, hormone therapy, radiation, or minimally invasive endoscopic surgery through the nose.
What Is a Pituitary Adenoma?
A pituitary adenoma is a tumor that develops in the pituitary gland, which controls many of the body’s hormones and endocrine functions. The pituitary gland sits at the base of the brain near the optic nerves and behind the nasal passages.
Most pituitary adenomas are non-cancerous (benign), but they may still cause serious symptoms by:
- Producing excess hormones
- Reducing normal hormone production
- Compressing nearby structures
- Pressuring the optic nerves
- Affecting brain function
Pituitary tumors can vary in size and behavior. Some remain small and stable, while others enlarge and require surgical treatment.
At Midwest Spine & Brain Institute, our neurosurgeons evaluate and treat complex skull base and pituitary tumors for patients across Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
Patients with pituitary tumors may also require evaluation through our:
Symptoms of a Pituitary Adenoma
Symptoms depend on the tumor’s size and whether it changes hormone production.
Common Symptoms Include:
Neurological Symptoms
- Headaches
- Vision loss or blurred vision
- Peripheral vision problems
- Eye movement abnormalities
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Hormonal Symptoms
- Weight gain
- Menstrual irregularities
- Infertility
- Sexual dysfunction
- Low testosterone
- Excessive fatigue
- Abnormal growth changes
- Increased thirst or urination
Some tumors produce hormones excessively, while others reduce normal pituitary function.
Large tumors may compress nearby optic nerves and surrounding brain structures.
Types of Pituitary Adenomas
Pituitary tumors are commonly classified as either functioning or non-functioning adenomas.
Functioning Pituitary Adenomas
These tumors actively produce hormones.
Examples include:
- Prolactinomas
- Growth hormone-secreting tumors
- ACTH-producing tumors
- TSH-secreting tumors
Non-Functioning Pituitary Adenomas
These tumors do not produce hormones but may grow large enough to compress nearby structures.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of most pituitary adenomas is unknown.
Possible contributing factors include:
- Genetic syndromes
- Endocrine disorders
- Family history of pituitary disease
- Abnormal pituitary cell growth
Most pituitary adenomas occur sporadically without a clear inherited cause.
How Pituitary Adenomas Are Diagnosed
Accurate diagnosis combines neurological, hormonal, and imaging evaluations.
Diagnostic Testing May Include:
MRI of the Brain
MRI with contrast is the preferred imaging study for identifying pituitary tumors and nearby brain structures.
Hormone Blood Testing
Bloodwork evaluates pituitary hormone function and detects hormone overproduction or deficiency.
Hormones commonly tested include:
- Prolactin
- Cortisol
- ACTH
- Growth hormone
- TSH
- Testosterone
- Estrogen
Vision Testing
Visual field testing evaluates compression of the optic nerves.
Neurological Examination
A neurological exam assesses:
- Vision
- Eye movement
- Reflexes
- Balance
- Cognitive function
Some patients may also undergo advanced endocrine evaluation or imaging before treatment planning.
Treatment Options for Pituitary Adenomas
Treatment depends on:
- Tumor size
- Hormone activity
- Vision changes
- Growth pattern
- Patient health
- Symptom severity
Many pituitary adenomas can be managed successfully with personalized treatment plans.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Some pituitary adenomas respond well to medications or monitoring.
Non-Surgical Treatments May Include:
Hormone-Regulating Medications
Certain tumors, especially prolactinomas, may shrink with medication.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Patients with reduced pituitary function may require hormone replacement.
Radiation Therapy
Focused radiation may help control residual or recurrent tumors.
Related treatments include:
Pituitary Adenoma Surgery
Surgery may be recommended if the tumor:
- Compresses the optic nerves
- Causes significant hormonal imbalance
- Continues growing
- Does not respond to medication
- Produces severe neurological symptoms
Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery
The most common pituitary surgery is an endoscopic transsphenoidal procedure.
How the Procedure Works
- The surgeon accesses the tumor through the nasal cavity.
- Specialized endoscopic instruments guide removal.
- The tumor is removed without a large scalp incision.
- The surgical pathway avoids significant disruption of brain tissue.
This minimally invasive skull base technique is commonly performed with both a neurosurgeon and ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) surgeon working together.
Benefits of Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery
Potential benefits include:
- No large external incision
- Less disruption to healthy brain tissue
- Faster recovery
- Reduced postoperative discomfort
- Improved vision symptoms
- Better hormone control
- Shorter hospital stay for many patients
Outcomes depend on tumor size, hormone activity, and overall health.
Risks and Complications
All brain and skull base surgeries carry potential risks.
Possible complications include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak
- Hormonal imbalance
- Vision changes
- Diabetes insipidus
- Tumor recurrence
- Nasal congestion or sinus issues
MSBI neurosurgeons use advanced imaging, endoscopic visualization, and microsurgical techniques to support surgical precision and patient safety.
Recovery After Pituitary Adenoma Surgery
Recovery varies based on tumor size, surgical complexity, and hormone involvement.
Recovery May Include:
- Hospital monitoring
- Hormone level testing
- Vision follow-up
- Nasal healing care
- Activity restrictions
- Follow-up MRI scans
- Endocrinology appointments
Many patients gradually resume normal activities within several weeks, although hormone recovery timelines vary.
When to See a Pituitary Tumor Specialist
Seek evaluation if you experience:
- Persistent headaches
- Vision loss
- Hormonal abnormalities
- Menstrual changes
- Sexual dysfunction
- Unexplained fatigue
- Sudden endocrine symptoms
- Known pituitary tumor growth
Early evaluation may help reduce complications and protect vision and hormone function.
Why Choose Midwest Spine & Brain Institute?
Midwest Spine & Brain Institute provides advanced neurosurgical care for pituitary adenomas and skull base tumors throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
Patients Choose MSBI For:
- Board-certified neurosurgeons
- Advanced skull base expertise
- Minimally invasive endoscopic techniques
- Multidisciplinary ENT collaboration
- Personalized treatment planning
- Advanced neuroimaging technology
- Comprehensive postoperative care
Related specialty programs include:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pituitary adenoma?
A pituitary adenoma is a usually benign tumor that develops in the pituitary gland beneath the brain.
Are pituitary adenomas cancerous?
Most pituitary adenomas are non-cancerous and slow growing.
What symptoms can a pituitary tumor cause?
Symptoms may include headaches, vision problems, hormone changes, fatigue, weight changes, menstrual irregularities, and sexual dysfunction.
How is a pituitary adenoma diagnosed?
Diagnosis commonly includes MRI imaging, hormone blood tests, neurological exams, and vision testing.
Is pituitary adenoma surgery performed through the nose?
Yes. Most surgeries use a minimally invasive endoscopic transsphenoidal approach through the nasal cavity.
Can pituitary tumors affect vision?
Yes. Larger tumors may compress the optic nerves and cause vision loss or peripheral vision problems.
How long is recovery after pituitary surgery?
Recovery varies, but many patients return to light activities within several weeks.
Do all pituitary adenomas require surgery?
No. Some tumors are monitored or treated with medications depending on size, symptoms, and hormone activity.
What doctor treats pituitary adenomas?
Treatment often involves a neurosurgeon, endocrinologist, ENT surgeon, neuroradiologist, and ophthalmologist.
Can pituitary adenomas come back?
Some tumors can recur, so long-term imaging and hormone follow-up may be recommended.
Schedule a Pituitary Adenoma Evaluation in Minnesota & Wisconsin
The neurosurgical specialists at Midwest Spine & Brain Institute provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for pituitary adenomas using advanced endoscopic skull base techniques and multidisciplinary care.
To schedule a consultation, complete the appointment request form or contact one of our Minnesota or western Wisconsin locations.