UC Health University of Cincinnati Medical Center

The University of Cincinnati Brain Tumor Center brings together a highly specialized team of experts to provide hope, compassion, and the most advanced strategies available for the treatment of pituitary and skull base tumors. We are at the forefront of advances to prolong and improve the quality of life for patients with these complex tumors.

Our multidisciplinary pituitary team includes specialists in otolaryngology, neurosurgery, endocrinology, ophthalmology, neuro-radiology, radiation oncology, neuropathology, and neuro-trained nursing who provide coordinated, comprehensive care to manage complex pituitary and skull base tumors. The specialists gather each week at a tumor board conference, where individual cases are presented and courses of action are recommended to optimize the care for each patient. In addition to generating a treatment strategy, the tumor board conference reassures patients that they are receiving the advice of not one expert, but of a whole team of specialists considering their personal medical situations.

Because patients with pituitary tumors are treated by more than one specialist, the UC Brain Tumor Center offers “one-stop-shop” appointments with various specialists so that multiple trips are not necessary.

Specialists in the UC Brain Tumor Center have explored new pathways, or approaches, to tumors through the skull base by following natural anatomical corridors and landmarks. The team solves problems endoscopically – with incision-less surgery through the nostrils – that previously were performed through an opening in the skull. Using these pathways causes minimal disruption of tissue and helps patients have faster recoveries. Procedures begin by entering the skull base via the nostrils with an endoscope, a long narrow tube with a light and camera at the end. The tumor is then removed, often in less than a few hours.

Patients who are not candidates for minimally invasive surgery may be treated with radiation therapy. Patients also may be treated with radiation if their pituitary tumor comes back or causes persistent symptoms. Whether the treatment involves surgery or radiation, seamless follow-up care is provided by UC Health endocrinologists.

Other transcranial procedures, both minimally invasive and conventional, are available and provide a full spectrum of treatments.

We also offer educational events, support groups for patients and families, and cutting-edge research that furthers progress toward a cure. Research is a key focus, and the center awards pilot grants to help establish new research studies and supports a Molecular Therapeutics Research Program.

The Brain Tumor Center is part of the UC Neuroscience Institute and the UC Cancer Institute, which are collaborations between UC Health and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

Map & Directions: