Pituitary and Skull Base Tumors and Disorders

World Leaders in Pituitary and Skull Base Tumor Treatment

At the UPMC Pituitary Center, we offer world-class care for pituitary and skull base tumors and lesions. Our surgeons' extensive experience with minimally invasive techniques attracts patients from around the world.

In addition to minimally invasive approaches, UPMC's neurosurgical team is trained and experienced in all traditional approaches to the brain, so they fully understand all of the options available to them. This expertise allows our neurosurgeons to develop the best treatment plan for you.

Conditions We Treat

UPMC is among the most experienced centers in the world in treating pituitary and skull base tumors using minimally invasive procedures, such as the Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA) and Gamma Knife^® Radiosurgery.

Common pituitary and skull base tumors and lesions we treat include:

View full list of pituitary/skull base tumors we treat »

Advanced Treatment Options at UPMC

At the UPMC Pituitary Center, our neurosurgeons have the depth and breadth of expertise required to treat pituitary and skull base tumors. Our team collaborates to seek the technique — or combination of techniques — that offers you the greatest opportunity for returning to normal life.

Depending on the patient's condition and location of the pituitary or skull base tumor, UPMC offers several preferred treatment options, including:

• Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA): Pioneered at UPMC, EEA is an innovative surgical technique used to remove brain tumors, pituitary tumors and lesions—some as large as softballs—all through the nose. EEA can offer benefits over open surgery such as:
• Minimal scarring
• Fewer side effects and complication
• Faster recovery
• Gamma Knife^® Radiosurgery: A painless procedure that uses radiation beams to target tumors and lesions, with no surgical incision. Gamma Knife radiosurgery is especially useful when conventional surgical procedures pose a high risk for patients.
• Endoscopic-Assisted Retromastoid Approach
• Transorbital Approach

Meet Our Experts in Pituitary and Skull Base Surgery

For more than 25 years, our multidisciplinary program has been treating patients with challenging pituitary and skull base tumors.