Pituitary Tumors and Disorders
Pituitary tumors and disorders are typically benign (non-cancerous), but they may still have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life. Early detection and treatment may help patients control these diseases.
A variety of conditions can affect the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain and controls hormone secretion. These conditions include pituitary tumors and cysts, as well as acromegaly, Cushing syndrome, prolactinoma and hypopituitarism.
The symptoms patients experience with pituitary disorders and tumors may depend on the type, location and impact on nearby structures. Because the pituitary gland secretes hormones, growth may be affected when these disorders are present.
Accurately diagnosing pituitary disorders and tumors may require a range of tests, including imaging studies and pituitary function tests, which measure levels of hormones and other substances in the body.
Following a pituitary tumor or disorder diagnosis, the care team will develop a treatment plan based on such factors as disease severity, location and the patient’s overall goals. Therapies may include surgery or medications.
Getting treated for a pituitary disorder or tumor at City of Hope® means you’re steps away from labs where new treatments are being developed every day. Current research ranges from studying advances in genetic testing to developing better imaging techniques and DNA-based growth hormone therapies.
When you come to City of Hope, you automatically gain access to a comprehensive array of support services to help you and your family take each step in your pituitary tumor or disorder treatment and recovery.
Our Pituitary Tumor and Disorder Expertise
When it comes to treatment for pituitary disorders and tumors, City of Hope has an unmatched reputation for comprehensive and compassionate care. Our team has pioneered state-of-the-art procedures that target tumor cells while minimizing side effects. We bring together broad expertise from multiple disciplines to provide exceptional care, including:
- Advanced tests that may help detect pituitary disorders early, before they do serious harm
- Minimally invasive surgery targets tumors while preserving healthy tissue
- A team with unique surgical expertise, which may allow us to remove tumors that were once considered inoperable
- Targeted radiation therapy, including ultraprecise helical TomoTherapy
- Drug and hormone therapy to control irregular hormone production
- Pioneering drug research and clinical trials
City of Hope’s team of neurosurgeons, endocrinologists, researchers, nurses, radiologists and genetic counselors work together closely at all stages of your pituitary tumor or disorder care to provide seamless, coordinated care. We balance that approach with personalized medicine — not just when it comes to your condition, but the kind that makes you feel supported throughout your treatment. And our commitment to personalized care means preserving your quality of life is at the heart of your treatment.
City of Hope is one of fewer than 60 facilities designated a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute.
Our developments in the areas of breakthrough medications, minimally invasive surgery and CAR T cell therapy are recognized internationally.
Our leadership in research and innovation continually enhances our ability to provide novel and differentiated approaches to pituitary tumor and disorder care.