If a pituitary tumor is causing symptoms, doctors may decide to remove it. Traditionally, pituitary tumors have been removed through an incision inside the mouth or by cutting/drilling through the skull. A newer option for some patients is endoscopic surgery. A narrow surgical instrument, called an endoscope, is passed through one of the nasal passages to the sphenoid sinus. The pituitary gland is located on the other side of this sinus cavity. Next, tiny instruments are used to open the sinus, access the pituitary gland and remove the tumor.

Joseph Han, M.D. (featured in story), Otolaryngologist, Eastern Virginia Medical School says the endoscopic approach means less cutting, and a faster recovery and less scarring for the patient. Endoscopic surgery may not be possible for patients with large or oddly-shaped pituitary tumors.