Understanding Pituitary Tumors – Types of Surgery and What to Expect from Recovery

November 10th, 2025
By Giorgio J. Rotoli, DO

What are Pituitary Tumors?

A pituitary tumor is an unusual growth that develops within the pituitary gland, which is located behind the nose at the base of the brain. Fortunately, most pituitary tumors are benign, meaning they are not cancerous.

What are the symptoms of a Pituitary tumor?

Not all pituitary tumors will cause symptoms. Most often these tumors are identified during an imaging test such as a CT scan or an MRI. Symptoms are typically caused when the tumor places pressure on the pituitary gland of other nearby body parts.

Possible symptoms include:

Headaches
Eye problems
Sinus pain
Drooping eyelids
Seizures

How is a Pituitary Tumor treated?

Surgery is the main treatment option for many pituitary tumors. The type of surgery that is performed, and the outcome, is based on many different factors. These factors include the type of tumor, its size and location, and if it has spread. Pituitary tumors are treated by highly-qualified neurosurgeon specialists.

The two main surgical approaches for treating pituitary tumors are transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery (during which a surgical instrument is placed through the nostril and alongside the nasal septum to access the tumor) and transcranial surgery (where a small opening is created in the skull to reach the pituitary gland. It is also possible to use a combination of both surgical techniques.

Your physician may also choose to use radiation therapy as an effective treatment option. Possible options may include stereotactic radiosurgery or external beam radiation. As each patient is unique, it is always best to speak with your physician to find out what treatment options are best for you.

Post-treatment Recovery and Rehabilitation after Treatment

Often, it may take up to 4-6 weeks to completely recover from pituitary surgery. During your recovery it is important to contact your physician if you believe you are experiencing any complications such as severe headaches, loss of vision, loss of taste or smell, or leaking fluid from your nose and throat. You may also feel tired for several weeks following your treatment, this is normal. Your physician will discuss specific recovery and rehabilitation instructions based on your individual needs.

What is the Success Rate of Pituitary Tumor Treatments?

The success rates of pituitary tumor removal are typically excellent. When performed by an experienced neurosurgeon, transsphenoidal surgery has a greater than 80 percent cure rate.

Treating Pituitary Tumors in New Jersey

If you are seeking treatment for a Pituitary Tumor, the experienced team of New Jersey Brain and Spine is here to help. For more than 25 years, we have delivered highly skilled and compassionate care to more than 40,000 patients.

Please contact us today by calling 201-342-2550, option 3,to learn more about our services and your potential treatment options. We also offer a second opinion service for virtually any condition involving the brain, spine or nervous system.

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