A pituitary tumor diagnosis can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics (PBSO), our team helps patients across New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania understand what’s happening inside the body, what the options are, and what the path forward looks like.
The pituitary is a pea-sized endocrine gland located in the brain, just behind the bridge of the nose. This small gland secretes hormones required by various organs in the body, and it directs other glands—including the thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries, and testicles—to produce hormones of their own.
Approximately one in six individuals will develop a tumor, or adenoma, of the pituitary gland. While most of these tumors are non-cancerous and slow to spread, their presence can disrupt hormone production throughout the endocrine system and lead to a number of serious disorders.
For nearly two decades, the fellowship-trained neurosurgeons at PBSO have been a trusted resource for patients facing complex brain and pituitary conditions. Led by board-certified specialists with advanced training in skull base and minimally invasive neurosurgery, our team brings deep expertise, published clinical experience, and academic-level credentials to every diagnosis. We partner with leading hospitals throughout NJ and Eastern PA, collaborate closely with endocrinologists and ophthalmologists, and stay at the forefront of evolving treatment standards—so the guidance you receive reflects current best practices, careful judgment, and a genuine commitment to your long-term well-being.
Disorders Caused by Pituitary Adenomas
Some pituitary tumors actually produce hormones and create disorders related to the over-stimulation of glands and organs controlled by these hormones. These “functioning” tumors are responsible for conditions including:
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Cushing’s syndrome (overproduction of cortisol)
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Acromegaly (excessive growth hormone)
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Prolactinoma & hypogonadism (decrease in sex hormones)
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Hyperthyroidism (too much thyroxine)
Other pituitary adenomas do not produce hormones, but their presence can damage the pituitary gland or exert pressure on nearby nerves and structures, leading to vision problems and hormone deficiency disorders including:
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Double vision & loss of vision
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Headaches
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Too little growth hormone
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Hypothyroidism
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Lack of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone)
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Too little prolactin
Symptoms of Hormone Imbalances & Pituitary Pressure
General symptoms of hormone disorders and pressure that may be caused by pituitary tumors include:
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Loss of peripheral vision
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Double vision
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Headaches
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Mood changes
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Lack of energy
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Irritability
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Hypertension
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Osteoporosis
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Menstrual cycle changes in women
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Impotence in men
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Infertility
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Abnormal breast growth
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Lactation difficulty
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Delayed growth in children
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Coarsening of features & enlargement of limbs
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Hormone levels that are too high or too low
Diagnosis of Pituitary Tumors
Pituitary adenomas frequently cause no symptoms. When these tumors exert pressure on the pituitary gland or surrounding areas, patients may experience headaches, double vision, or peripheral vision loss. Over- and underproduction of hormones may eventually lead to diagnosis of a disorder based on the specific symptoms for that condition. Doctors also use blood tests and urine tests to check for abnormal hormone levels. Imaging tests like CT scans and MRIs may provide additional diagnostic information to help determine treatment.
World-Class Treatment of Pituitary Tumors
Treatments for disorders caused by pituitary tumors are specific to the patient and the underlying condition. Physicians have a number of options for treating pituitary tumors, including:
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Surgical removal of the tumor
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External beam radiation therapy
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Medications to control tumor growth
Why Choose Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics
Dr. Matthew Tormenti and the fellowship-trained neurosurgeons at PBSO perform minimally invasive surgery to remove pituitary tumors. Our affiliations with leading hospitals in Pennsylvania and New Jersey assure our patients of treatment with the most advanced surgical equipment and techniques, including stereotactic surgery and gamma knife treatment. Even though we perform state-of-the-art procedures, the doctors and staff of PBSO practice old-fashioned medicine with a personal touch—we treat you like family.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a pituitary tumor—or you’re experiencing symptoms that may point to one—don’t wait to get answers. Call Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics today at (888) 741-7272 to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient NJ or Eastern PA locations, or contact PBSO online. Our team is ready to help you understand your options and take the next step toward clarity, relief, and renewed quality of life.