Pituitary Tumours
Pituitary tumours are abnormal growths in the pituitary gland, a small but vital structure at the base of the brain that controls many of the body's hormones. While the diagnosis can be concerning, most pituitary tumours are benign and highly treatable with the right expertise.
Dr Joseph Garcia Redmond has advanced subspecialty training in pituitary tumour surgery, including fellowship training in skull base surgery at Toronto Western Hospital in Canada and specialised Gamma Knife radiosurgery training at the Cleveland Clinic. He offers the full range of treatment options, from minimally invasive endoscopic surgery to focused radiosurgery.
Dr Garcia Redmond works closely with endocrinologists and other specialists to ensure comprehensive management of both the tumour and any hormonal imbalances. His approach emphasises safe, effective treatment while preserving normal pituitary function and minimising impact on your quality of life.
What is a Pituitary Tumour?
The pituitary gland is a pea-sized organ located at the base of the skull, just behind the bridge of your nose. Often called the "master gland," it produces hormones that regulate growth, metabolism, reproduction, stress response, and other vital body functions.
A pituitary tumour is an abnormal growth of cells in the pituitary gland. The vast majority (over 99%) are benign (non-cancerous), meaning they don't spread to other parts of the body.
Types of Pituitary Tumours:
By Size:
Microadenomas: Smaller than 10mm
Macroadenomas: Larger than 10mm
By Hormone Production:
Functioning tumours produce excess hormones, causing specific hormonal syndromes
Non-functioning tumours don't produce hormones but can cause problems by pressing on surrounding structures
Common Functioning Tumours:
Prolactinomas: Produce excess prolactin (most common type)
Growth hormone-secreting tumours: Cause acromegaly or gigantism
ACTH-secreting tumours: Cause Cushing's disease
TSH-secreting tumours: Cause hyperthyroidism (rare)
Pituitary tumours can affect people at any age but are most commonly diagnosed in adults.
This information on this website is intended as a general guide and should not replace professional medical advice. Every patient's situation is unique. Please schedule a consultation with Dr Garcia Redmond for personalised assessment and recommendations.
What Are the Symptoms of Pituitary Tumours?
Symptoms depend on whether the tumour produces hormones and whether it's large enough to press on nearby structures.
Symptoms from Tumour Size (Mass Effect):
Headaches, often behind the eyes or temples
Vision problems, particularly loss of peripheral vision
Double vision
Drooping eyelid or facial pain (if growing into cavernous sinus)
Symptoms from Hormone Excess:
Prolactinomas:
Women: Irregular or absent periods, breast milk production, infertility
Men: Erectile dysfunction, low libido, breast enlargement
Growth Hormone Excess (Acromegaly):
Enlargement of hands, feet, and facial features
Joint pain and arthritis
Excessive sweating
Skin changes
Sleep apnea
ACTH Excess (Cushing's Disease):
Weight gain, particularly around the trunk and face
Easy bruising and thin skin
Purple stretch marks
High blood pressure and diabetes
Muscle weakness
Mood changes
Symptoms from Hormone Deficiency: Large tumours can compress the normal pituitary, causing:
Fatigue and weakness
Low blood pressure
Weight loss or gain
Reduced libido
Irregular periods
Cold intolerance
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
Seek urgent care if you experience:
Sudden severe headache
Sudden vision loss
Double vision that comes on suddenly
Confusion or decreased alertness
These could indicate pituitary apoplexy (bleeding into the tumour), a rare but serious condition requiring immediate treatment.
How is a Pituitary Tumour Diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves both imaging studies and hormonal testing:
Imaging:
MRI scan - the gold standard for visualizing pituitary tumours
CT scan - occasionally used to assess bone involvement
Visual field testing - assesses any vision loss from optic nerve compression
Hormonal Testing:
Blood tests to measure pituitary hormone levels (prolactin, growth hormone, ACTH, cortisol, thyroid hormones, sex hormones)
24-hour urine collection for some hormone measurements
Stimulation or suppression tests to assess pituitary function
Dr Garcia Redmond works closely with endocrinologists to ensure comprehensive hormonal evaluation and optimal management.
How Do You Treat Pituitary Tumours?
Treatment depends on tumour type, size, hormone production, symptoms, and your overall health.
Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatment Options
Observation: Small, non-functioning tumours causing no symptoms may be monitored with regular MRI scans and hormonal testing.
Medication:
Prolactinomas often respond well to dopamine agonist medications (cabergoline or bromocriptine), which can shrink the tumour and normalize hormone levels. Many prolactinomas can be managed with medication alone
Growth hormone-secreting tumours may be treated with medications to reduce hormone levels after surgery
Hormone replacement for deficiencies caused by the tumour or treatment
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery: Dr Garcia Redmond's specialized training in Gamma Knife allows him to offer this highly precise, non-invasive treatment. It's particularly useful for:
Tumours that recur after surgery
Residual tumour after surgery
Patients who cannot undergo surgery
Tumours not responding to medication
Gamma Knife delivers focused radiation in a single outpatient session without incisions or general anesthesia.
Surgical Treatment Options
Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery: This is the preferred surgical approach for most pituitary tumours. Dr Garcia Redmond performs this minimally invasive technique through the nose, avoiding any external incisions.
Advantages include:
No visible scars
Shorter hospital stay (typically 2-3 days)
Faster recovery
Direct access to the pituitary
Lower risk of complications compared to open surgery
The surgery uses an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera) and specialized instruments to remove the tumour through the natural corridor of the nose and sinuses.
Craniotomy: Rarely needed, but may be required for very large tumours with significant extension beyond the pituitary region. This involves an opening through the skull.
Surgery Goals:
Remove as much tumour as safely possible
Relieve pressure on optic nerves and restore vision
Normalise hormone levels for functioning tumours
Preserve normal pituitary function when possible
Dr Garcia Redmond uses advanced techniques including neuronavigation and intraoperative imaging to maximize tumour removal while protecting critical structures.
Your Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from pituitary tumour treatment varies depending on the type of treatment received, tumour characteristics, and your overall health. Dr Garcia Redmond and his team will support you throughout your recovery journey.
After Medication Treatment:
Regular monitoring of hormone levels and tumour size
Periodic MRI scans to assess tumour response
Medication adjustments as needed
Generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects
After Gamma Knife Radiosurgery:
Same-day discharge
Resume normal activities within 1-2 days
Tumour response occurs gradually over months to years
Regular follow-up with MRI and hormone testing
May need continued medication for hormone control
After Endoscopic Surgery:
Hospital Stay: Typically 2-3 days, shorter than traditional brain surgery.
Initial Recovery:
Nasal packing may be placed temporarily (usually removed before discharge)
Expect nasal congestion and drainage for 1-2 weeks
Avoid nose blowing for 2-4 weeks
Minor nasal discomfort rather than significant pain
Recovery Timeline:
Light activities: 1-2 weeks
Return to work: 2-4 weeks for most occupations
Strenuous activities: Avoid for 4-6 weeks
Full recovery: Most patients feel back to normal within 4-6 weeks
Hormone Management:
Hormone levels are checked during and after surgery
Temporary or permanent hormone replacement may be needed
Close monitoring by endocrinology team
Some patients recover normal pituitary function over time
Follow-Up Care:
Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor your recovery and check for any signs of tumour recurrence. This typically includes:
Clinical examinations to assess symptoms and function
Regular MRI scans (typically at 3 months, 6 months, then annually)
Ongoing hormone testing with endocrinology
Vision testing if previously affected
Coordination with endocrinologists and other specialists as needed
Ongoing Treatment:
Depending on the tumour type and response to initial treatment, additional treatment may be recommended. This could include continued medication for hormone control, Gamma Knife radiosurgery for residual or recurrent tumour, or hormone replacement therapy. Dr Garcia Redmond works closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure coordinated, comprehensive care.
Support Services:
Living with a pituitary tumour diagnosis can be emotionally and physically challenging. Support services may include:
Endocrine support groups and counseling services
Social work assistance
Support for managing chronic hormone replacement if needed
Frequently Asked Questions About Pituitary Tumours
Are pituitary tumours cancerous?
More than 99% of pituitary tumours are benign (non-cancerous) and do not spread to other parts of the body. Pituitary carcinomas are extremely rare. However, even benign pituitary tumours require treatment when they cause hormonal problems or press on surrounding structures.
Can pituitary tumours be cured?
Yes, many pituitary tumours can be cured. Prolactinomas often respond very well to medication. Other types are frequently cured with endoscopic surgery, particularly when diagnosed early. Even large or recurrent tumours can often be successfully managed with a combination of surgery, radiosurgery, and medication.
Will I need to take hormones after surgery?
It depends. Some patients have temporary hormone deficiencies that resolve over weeks to months. Others may need permanent hormone replacement if the tumour or treatment has damaged normal pituitary tissue. Your endocrinologist will monitor your hormone levels closely and prescribe replacement hormones if needed. Many patients maintain normal pituitary function after surgery.
What's the difference between transsphenoidal surgery and traditional brain surgery?
Transsphenoidal surgery is performed through your nose using an endoscope, with no external incisions or cuts through the skull. It results in no visible scars, less pain, shorter hospital stays (2-3 days vs 5-7 days), and faster recovery. Traditional craniotomy involves opening the skull and is now rarely needed for pituitary tumours.
How long before my vision improves after surgery?
Many patients notice vision improvement within days of surgery if the tumour was compressing the optic nerves. Maximum recovery often occurs over weeks to months. The degree of improvement depends on how long the nerves were compressed and how severely they were damaged before surgery. Early treatment generally leads to better vision recovery.
Do I need to see an endocrinologist?
Yes. Pituitary tumours affect hormones, so working with an endocrinologist (hormone specialist) is essential for proper diagnosis, treatment planning, and long-term management. Dr Garcia Redmond collaborates closely with endocrinologists to ensure comprehensive care.
Can pituitary tumours come back after treatment?
Some pituitary tumours can recur, though many are permanently cured. Recurrence rates depend on tumour type and whether complete removal was possible. Non-functioning tumours recur in 10-20% of cases. Some functioning tumours have higher recurrence rates. This is why regular MRI follow-up is important—recurrences can be treated with additional surgery, radiosurgery, or medication.
Will I be able to have children after pituitary tumour treatment?
Many patients can have children after successful treatment. Prolactinomas often cause infertility that resolves with treatment. If you develop hypopituitarism, fertility may be affected but can often be restored with hormone replacement therapy. Discuss your fertility goals with Dr Garcia Redmond and your endocrinologist, as treatment planning can sometimes be adjusted to optimise fertility outcomes.
Why Choose Rivercity Brain & Spine for Your Pituitary Tumour Treatment?
Subspecialty Expertise: Dr Garcia Redmond's Fellowship training at world-renowned centres (Toronto Western Hospital, Cleveland Clinic) brings international expertise to Brisbane and Ipswich in skull base surgery including advanced pituitary tumour management, both surgical and non-surgical.
Minimally Invasive Excellence: Extensive experience in endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery—the most advanced, least invasive approach for pituitary tumours.
Comprehensive Treatment Options: Expertise in surgery, Gamma Knife radiosurgery, and coordination with medication management means truly personalized care.
Multidisciplinary Approach: Close collaboration with endocrinologists ensures optimal management of both the tumour and hormonal aspects of your condition.
Advanced Technology: State-of-the-art endoscopic equipment, neuronavigation, and intraoperative imaging for the safest, most effective surgery.
Patient-Centered Care: Compassionate approach focused on your individual needs, concerns, and quality of life.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
Neurosurgery Brisbane
If you've been diagnosed with a pituitary tumour or are experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance or vision changes, expert evaluation is essential.
Contact Rivercity Brain & Spine today to schedule your consultation.