Pituitary Tumors

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Pituitary Tumors

Pituitary tumors are abnormal growths that form in the pituitary gland, the part of the brain that makes and controls hormones. The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, is small but important. It helps control the release of hormones from other endocrine glands such as the adrenal and thyroid glands.

The pituitary gland also directly releases hormones that affect other parts of the body, such as bones and breast milk glands. A pituitary tumor can disrupt the gland’s ability to function correctly, causing numerous medical conditions.

Types of pituitary tumors

There are three main types of pituitary tumors: benign adenoma, invasive adenoma (benign tumors that spread to the bones), and carcinoma, or cancerous. Most pituitary tumors are benign adenomas, which are noncancerous growths that do no spread beyond the gland.

However, benign does not necessarily mean harmless. Some benign adenomas can cause excessive production of hormones. And others can restrict normal function of the gland, making it produce lower levels of hormones. Doctors may remove the tumor, slow its growth with medication, or observe it for a period of time before determining next steps. Doctors do not know what causes pituitary tumors, but some are linked to a disorder passed down from parents (hereditary).

The UAB Pituitary Disorders Clinic

The UAB Pituitary Disorders Clinic is the only multispecialty clinic of its kind in the state. It provides complete evaluation and treatment for patients with pituitary tumors, pituitary hormone abnormalities, growth and development problems, and related disorders. The clinic brings together UAB Medicine experts in the fields of:

Neurosurgery
Endocrinology
Ear, nose, and throat surgery
Radiation oncology
Neuro-ophthalmology
Neuropathology
Diagnostic and interventional neuroradiology

These specialists collaborate to create treatment plans specific to each patient’s unique needs. Our nationally recognized physicians use the latest and most effective treatments available.

UAB Medicine has extensive experience and is among the nation’s leaders for the number of pituitary tumors we treat surgically. We offer minimally invasive endoscopic approaches for pituitary tumors, which require only a few small incisions (cuts) and therefore allow many patients to avoid more intrusive surgeries.

UAB Medicine is committed to improving the field of pituitary tumor care by conducting research on pituitary disorders and providing residency opportunities and continuing education for up-and-coming pituitary and neuroendocrine specialists.