Emory Pituitary Center
Treatments and Services

Expert Care Personalized for You

If doctors have diagnosed you with a pituitary tumor or disorder, you’ll find world-class care at the Emory Pituitary Center. Every person’s situation is different. So, we believe every person’s care should be, too. 

Our expert team evaluates your condition and needs. Then they work together to develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. It might include medication, surgery, or radiation therapy. Sometimes, it’s a combination of these treatments. You can feel confident knowing you’re getting nationally recognized care from some of the most caring, experienced providers in the field. We’ll be at your side every step of the way. 

Observation

If you have a tumor that isn’t causing symptoms, it may not need treatment — at least not right away. We may recommend watching it carefully over time to see if it shows signs of growth. If tests reveal that the tumor is growing or you begin to experience health issues, we’ll determine which treatment is likely best for you. The goals of treatment are the same for anyone with a tumor that is causing complications:

  • Eliminate symptoms
  • Prevent damage to your pituitary gland
  • Return hormone levels to normal

Medication

In some cases, medication is an important part of treatment. It may control excess hormone production caused by certain tumors or help replace deficient hormones. In some cases, medication may also help shrink a tumor. Side effects are possible with these treatments, as they are with any medication. We work with you to minimize risks and help you tolerate your medicine.

Surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment for cancerous and noncancerous pituitary tumors. Doctors may recommend surgery if your tumor: 

  • Has grown large enough that it’s putting pressure on surrounding structures in your brain and causing symptoms. For example, a pituitary tumor could put pressure on your optic nerve, affecting your sight. Surgery may prevent further vision loss. It may also increase the chances of vision recovery.
  • Is secreting excess hormones 

Our team is at the forefront of surgical techniques for pituitary tumors. 

Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery

We often use endoscopic skull base surgery to remove a pituitary tumor. This is a form of minimally invasive surgery. It allows us to access your tumor without large incisions. Rather than opening your skull, we reach your brain through the natural opening in your nose. A camera called an endoscope allows us to see inside the area. We use special equipment to help us navigate the brain safely and remove the tumor. 

Minimally invasive surgery has a lower risk of complications and often results in a quicker recovery than traditional open surgery. 

Craniotomy

If you have a large pituitary tumor or it’s not possible to remove it with endoscopic surgery, you may need a craniotomy. In this operation, surgeons take out a portion of your skull to reach the tumor in your pituitary gland. 

Radiation Therapy

If we can’t treat a pituitary tumor with medication or remove it completely with surgery, we may consider radiation therapy. This treatment uses precisely targeted doses of radiation to destroy tumor cells. Common forms of radiation therapy include stereotactic radiosurgery and Gamma Knife. We usually perform these treatments on an outpatient basis.

Request an Appointment

The multidisciplinary team of specialists at the Emory Pituitary Center has the expertise, advanced technology, and compassion to treat all types of pituitary conditions. For more information about the Center or to schedule an appointment, please call 404-778-7777.

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