Mayo Clinic's approach
Mayo Clinic's world-renowned surgeons are trained in transsphenoidal surgery and other treatments for pituitary tumors. Mayo Clinic endocrinologists also are leaders in treating hormone-producing pituitary tumors.
At Mayo Clinic, endocrinologists with expertise in pituitary disease coordinate a team to comprehensively evaluate pituitary tumors, and develop a treatment plan based on your needs.
Your care team may include specialists from:
Collaboration
Mayo Clinic healthcare professionals include a multidisciplinary team of experts in many specialties to provide comprehensive care for patients who need transsphenoidal surgery. They work with experts in brain and nervous system imaging (radiologists) and with experts who specialize in the ear, nose, throat and head and neck (otolaryngologists). They also work with radiation oncology and pain medicine specialists.
People with pituitary tumors who receive care in the Mayo Clinic Brain Tumor Program are treated by internationally respected doctors who specialize in this type of brain tumor. They use the latest technology and techniques to develop a treatment plan tailored to each situation.
State-of-the-art technology
Mayo Clinic offers the latest technology to help treat pituitary tumors and perform transsphenoidal surgery.
Mayo Clinic's neuroradiologists are experienced in performing a test in which a sample is taken from the veins where the pituitary gland drains hormones into the bloodstream. Called inferior petrosal sinus sampling, this test is used to help find and identify pituitary tumors.
In people with Cushing syndrome, some pituitary adenomas cause excess production of adrenocorticotropic hormone, also known as ACTH. These tumors may be too small for detection with traditional MRI scans. Mayo Clinic uses a high-field, 3-tesla MRI scanner to help diagnose and provide clearer images of some pituitary adenomas.
Mayo Clinic was one of the first hospitals to extensively research an endoscopic through-the-nose, also called transnasal, surgical technique to remove tumors. This method is now standard practice. The endoscopic transnasal technique is highly successful, lowers discomfort and usually requires only an overnight stay in the hospital. When performed by doctors experienced with this method, it has proved to be highly successful and usually reduces the length of the hospital stay and the level of discomfort.
Expertise
The state-of-the-art Mayo Clinic Endocrine Testing Center accurately and safely performs complex hormonal stimulation and suppression tests. These tests are used to identify the types of pituitary tumors and how well the pituitary gland is working. These tests are essential in planning transsphenoidal surgery and creating a comprehensive treatment plan.
Expertise and rankings
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is ranked No. 1 for endocrinology, and ranks among the top hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery, cancer, and ear, nose and throat surgery in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida are ranked among the top hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery, for cancer, for ear, nose and throat surgery, and for endocrinology by U.S. News & World Report.
Experience
Mayo Clinic's highly specialized surgical teams perform many transsphenoidal surgeries each year. When integrated with ongoing research and education, this results in broad expertise and the latest advancements in transsphenoidal surgery.
Locations, travel and lodging
Mayo Clinic has major campuses in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona; Jacksonville, Florida; and Rochester, Minnesota. The Mayo Clinic Health System has dozens of locations in several states.
For more information on visiting Mayo Clinic, choose your location below:
Costs and insurance
Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people.
In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need.
Learn more about appointments at Mayo Clinic.
Please contact your insurance company to verify medical coverage and to obtain any needed authorization prior to your visit. Often, your insurer's customer service number is printed on the back of your insurance card.
Clinical trials
Explore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions.