The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. Often referred to as the body’s “master gland,” this vital, pea-sized structure produces hormones that regulate many bodily functions, including metabolism, growth, reproduction and water/sodium balance. Serving as chemical messengers to various glands and organs throughout the body—including the thyroid, adrenal glands, testes and ovaries—pituitary hormones provide instructions on which functions to perform and when to perform them.
Pituitary tumors are relatively common, although most are small, slow-growing and noncancerous. Even so, a benign pituitary tumor can cause headaches, visual disturbances and other disruptive health issues. Additionally, a functioning (hormone-producing) tumor can cause the pituitary gland to over- or underproduce certain hormones. The resulting hormonal imbalances can affect various bodily functions, potentially leading to fatigue, sexual dysfunction, menstrual irregularities in females and changes in body composition, weight and appearance. As such, pituitary tumors are highly complex and require specialized care.
Tampa General Hospital is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 10% of hospitals in the nation for Neurology & Neurosurgery for 2023-24. Housed within our renowned Neuroscience Institute, TGH’s Pituitary Tumor Center offers world-class care for the management and treatment of pituitary tumors and related hormonal imbalances.
Our Pituitary Tumor Surgeons
Traditionally, if a pituitary tumor required treatment, it was removed through open brain surgery, such as a craniotomy. In recent years, however, the standard of care for pituitary tumors has shifted dramatically following the introduction of endoscopic surgical techniques.
The outstanding neurosurgeons in TGH’s Pituitary Tumor Center are nationally recognized pioneers of minimally invasive brain procedures, such as neuroendoscopy and endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery, which can significantly reduce the recovery time for pituitary surgery. Because TGH is a high-volume hospital, our neurosurgeons perform many endoscopic brain procedures, and they have acquired vast experience and focused skills as a result.
What Sets TGH Apart?
TGH is one of the most comprehensive medical facilities in West Central Florida, and our pituitary tumor and skull base surgery program has earned an outstanding reputation both nationally and internationally. As an academic medical center affiliated with the University of South Florida (USF), TGH is committed to training the next generation of neurosurgeons to ensure the best possible patient care while contributing to the advancement of the field. Each year, one fully trained neurosurgeon joins our program as a skull base fellow for in-depth training in complex cranial surgeries. At the USF Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS), we host annual courses where neurosurgeons from around the world can train on simulators and learn advanced skull base surgical techniques.
TGH’s Pituitary Tumor Center is the only facility of its kind in Tampa Bay that has a dedicated pituitary tumor conference. Our collaborative team meets weekly to discuss critical cases, exchange ideas and plan treatment.
Our Multidisciplinary Team Approach
By taking a multidisciplinary approach to the management and treatment of pituitary tumors and related hormonal imbalances, TGH ensures the safest, most comprehensive and most effective patient care possible—and we are passionate about it. Our well-rounded team of pituitary tumor specialists includes:
- Neurosurgeons
- Endocrinologists
- Neuro-ophthalmologists
- Otolaryngologists
- Pathologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Physician assistants and nurses
- Physical and occupational therapists
- Social workers
Our Cutting-Edge Pituitary Tumor Treatments
The neurosurgeons in TGH’s Pituitary Tumor Center utilize state-of-the-art surgical techniques and imaging equipment, such as image-guided stereotactic surgery. Our team was among the first in our region to implement the innovative KARL STORZ 3D-endoscopic system. Using an advanced surgical tool consisting of a small fiberoptic camera connected to the end of a narrow tube, a neurosurgeon can view the surgical site in three dimensions, allowing them to access this delicate area at the base of the brain with heightened precision.
Our Pituitary Tumor Center features an intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) suite, allowing our surgeons to image their anesthetized patients while operating and continually evaluate the progress of resections in real time. As such, iMRI helps our neurosurgeons achieve maximal tumor removal.
When performing pituitary tumor surgery, our neurosurgeons also use angiography. By providing real-time imaging of the vascular anatomy of the surgical field, angiography can help a neurosurgeon safely navigate important blood vessels around a pituitary tumor, such as the carotid artery and its branches, which are crucial for supplying blood to the brain and other vital structures. Angiography can also help a neurosurgeon identify abnormal blood vessels or vascular anomalies that may be present in or around a pituitary tumor, which could affect the surgical approach or outcome.
Become a Patient at TGH
Whether you have symptoms of a pituitary tumor, such as persistent headaches and vision loss, or you have already received a diagnosis or hormonal workup, you are welcome to explore your treatment options with a specialist at TGH’s Pituitary Tumor Center in Tampa, FL. To request a consultation, contact us at (800) 822-3627 today.