Pituitary center
A national leader in pituitary tumor care
Pituitary tumors, like many pituitary gland disorders, are complex conditions that can impact the brain, blood, eyes, and many other parts of the body. Although they’re almost always benign, they can affect long-term health and quality of life.
When you or your loved one are facing a pituitary tumor diagnosis, you need treatment that can address all the aspects of your condition, from diagnosis to surgery to the management of all related health complications.
The Penn Pituitary Center is one of the only treatment centers in the country devoted entirely to pituitary gland conditions, including pituitary tumor treatment and management. As a designated Pituitary Center of Excellence, we are proud to provide our patients with:
- The most advanced diagnostic and testing tools for precision diagnoses
- The latest minimally invasive procedures
- Skilled surgeons who perform a high volume of pituitary operations each year
- Consultation with an entire multidisciplinary care team in one visit
Throughout each phase of your treatment, our doctors will work closely with your local endocrinologist to continue your ongoing care close to home.
Pituitary conditions we treat
Setting the standard for pituitary gland disorder care
Whether you need complex surgery for a pituitary adenoma or you’re looking for the most informed treatment guidance on any other pituitary disorder, Penn Pituitary Center offers clinical resources, expertise, and support rarely found at other health systems.
Diagnosing a pituitary tumor or pituitary gland disorder requires advanced testing. Penn Medicine uses the latest tools and techniques to give patients the most accurate and reliable picture of their condition. We use specialized technology and techniques not available at every hospital including high-resolution MRI (3T), dynamic endocrine testing, and inferior petorsal sinus sampling (IPSS).
Patients at Penn Medicine experience the highest rates of long-term remission for Cushing’s disease, prolactinomas, and acromegaly, as well as the lowest rates of complications following surgery for other complex pituitary conditions.
The best results come from experienced surgeons who perform at least 50 endoscopic pituitary procedures per year. Penn Medicine’s surgeons perform hundreds of pituitary tumor operations per year, among the highest volume of procedures in the country. Our surgical team is highly experienced in the latest minimally invasive techniques for the removal of large pituitary tumors. At other health systems, many of these tumors are only removable through craniotomy, a surgical procedure that requires opening the skull.
Our expertise in minimally invasive surgery allows most patients to return home just one day after their surgery, even after the removal of large tumors. Enjoy the peace of mind of expert care with minimal disruption to your everyday life.
Rather than wait to see specialists through a fragmented and inconvenient appointment process, patients meet with their entire multidisciplinary care team during their first visit. During one appointment, patients may consult with an ENT, endocrinologist, neurosurgeon, or any other specialist whose expertise can benefit the treatment plan.
We understand your pituitary disorder is unique and requires a diverse approach to treatment. Our specialists come directly to you and consult face-to-face with each other to address your specific care needs to maximize the effectiveness of your treatment and recovery.
A pituitary tumor is a time-sensitive condition that requires fast intervention. This is why patients who are diagnosed with pituitary tumors will be seen within a week of making an appointment, whenever possible.
Leading the way in minimally invasive pituitary procedures
Some pituitary tumors don’t require surgery and can be addressed through medication or ongoing monitoring of the tumor. When surgery is required, Penn Medicine’s surgeons use the most advanced endoscopic and microscopic techniques and intraoperative image guidance, allowing us to remove even large tumors through the nose rather than having to go through the skull. Additionally, Penn Medicine offers the most advanced radiation therapy for the treatment of pituitary tumors. Our skilled providers perform a high volume of procedures such as:
Our doctors
Our providers work with you to plan and deliver exceptional treatment and personalized care.
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Patient stories
Rediscovering joy after treatment for a pituitary condition
Brielle Painter’s health was deteriorating rapidly, but a diagnosis remained elusive–until she was referred to the Penn Pituitary Center.