Pituitary Tumor
Comprehensive treatment. Specialized expertise. Patient-focused approach.
Find advanced pituitary tumor treatment at UW Medicine
We know a tumor diagnosis can be frightening, but that's why we're here. Let the expertise and compassion of the Pituitary Program team at UW Medicine put your mind at ease. It's a good feeling to know the innovative care you deserve is right here near home. The Pituitary Program at UW Medical Center - Montlake provides comprehensive treatment to patients with disorders of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus including pituitary gland disorder evaluation, management and cures.
If you've been diagnosed with a pituitary tumor and desire a second opinion, please don't hesitate to schedule an appointment. Call 206.598.5637 to make an appointment today.
The specialists on our multidisciplinary team - including neuro-endocrinologists, neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists, radiation oncologists, neuro-radiologists and neuro-ophthalmologists - are experts in diagnosing, treating and curing pituitary and hypothalamic disorders.
What is a pituitary tumor?
A pituitary tumor is an abnormal growth in the pituitary gland, a small gland in the brain that is located behind the back of the nose. Most pituitary tumors are benign (not cancerous) and do not spread to other parts of the body, but they can cause the pituitary gland to produce too few or too many hormones, which causes problems in the body.
Symptoms of pituitary tumors depend on the type of tumor and the area of the pituitary gland that is affected. Each person’s symptoms may vary.
The main types of pituitary tumors include:
- Nonfunctional adenomas
- Prolactin-producing tumors
- ACTH-producing tumors
- Cushing's disease
- Growth hormone-producing tumors
- Acromegaly
- Gigantism
Pituitary tumor care at UW Medicine
At the UW Medicine Pituitary Program, we provide a precise diagnosis and treatment plan for each patient. Our neurosurgeons specialize in pituitary and skull base tumors and use Endoscopic Transnasal Transphenoidal Surgery (ETTS), a minimally invasive procedure in which your surgeon uses an angled endoscope to remove the pituitary tumor. ETTS is useful in treating some of the most complex pituitary tumors.
If you have a syndrome resulting from hormone overproduction - such as Cushing's disease or acromegaly - and you can't have surgery or surgery hasn't been effective, our neuro-endocrinologists can develop a plan to manage your disorder. If your pituitary gland isn't working correctly, our neuro-endocrinologists are also highly experienced in the precise management of hormone replacement therapy.
The clinic also offers detailed outpatient evaluation, including thorough office visits, hormone testing, radiology studies (such as an MRI) and vision exams.
Our clinic location
UW Medical Center - Montlake
Pituitary Program
1959 NE Pacific St., Main Hospital, Seattle, WA 98195