Learn about Pituitary Gland Cancer Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Pituitary Gland Cancer and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Pituitary Gland Cancer

Pituitary gland cancer surgery is a specialized neurosurgical procedure performed to remove tumors (adenomas or carcinomas) from the pituitary gland, a small but crucial hormone-regulating organ at the base of the brain. This delicate operation is typically conducted using a minimally invasive endoscopic transsphenoidal approach, where surgeons access the gland through the nasal passages and sphenoid sinus, avoiding a craniotomy. The primary goals are to completely remove the cancerous tissue, relieve pressure on surrounding structures like the optic nerves, and restore normal hormone function. This procedure is vital for treating hormone-secreting tumors that cause conditions like Cushing's disease or acromegaly, as well as non-functioning tumors that grow large enough to cause vision loss or headaches. Success requires a highly skilled neurosurgical team with expertise in pituitary disorders.

Key Highlights

    Minimally invasive endoscopic approach often avoids visible scars and open brain surgery.High precision targeting of the tumor helps preserve healthy pituitary tissue and critical surrounding structures.Effective in relieving symptoms caused by tumor pressure, such as vision loss and severe headaches.Can normalize abnormal hormone levels, addressing conditions like Cushing's disease or acromegaly.Provides a tissue sample for definitive diagnosis and pathological analysis.Often leads to a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery compared to traditional craniotomy./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Diagnosis of a pituitary adenoma or carcinoma (pituitary cancer) confirmed via MRI and endocrine testing.
  • Tumors causing progressive vision loss or visual field defects due to pressure on the optic chiasm.
  • Hormone-secreting tumors (functioning adenomas) that are not controlled by medication, such as those causing acromegaly, Cushing's disease, or prolactinomas resistant to drugs.
  • Rapid tumor growth or signs of invasion into surrounding structures like the cavernous sinus.
  • Pituitary apoplexy (sudden bleeding into a tumor) causing severe symptoms.
  • Persistent headaches or other neurological symptoms directly linked to the tumor.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation including high-resolution MRI of the pituitary and full endocrine hormone panel blood tests.
  • Consultations with a neurosurgeon, endocrinologist, and often an ophthalmologist for a baseline vision assessment.
  • Possible pre-operative hormone replacement or medication to stabilize the patient's condition.
  • Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as advised by the surgeon.
  • Fasting for 8-12 hours before the surgery as per anesthesia guidelines.
  • Pre-operative nasal decongestant sprays or washes may be prescribed to prepare the nasal passages.

Risks & possible complications

  • Risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which may require additional repair.
  • Potential for new or worsened pituitary hormone deficiencies, requiring lifelong replacement therapy.
  • Damage to surrounding structures, potentially affecting vision, eye movement, or carotid artery injury (rare).
  • Infection, such as meningitis or sinusitis.
  • Bleeding or hematoma formation.
  • Incomplete tumor removal, potentially necessitating further treatment like radiation therapy.
  • Nasal complications like altered sense of smell, congestion, or septal perforation.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial hospital stay for monitoring neurological status, hormone levels, and for any CSF leak.
  • Nasal packing is typically removed before discharge, and patients must avoid blowing their nose for several weeks.
  • Close follow-up with endocrinology for hormone level checks and necessary replacement therapy.
  • Post-operative MRI is usually scheduled within 3-6 months to assess for residual tumor.
  • Avoidance of strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and bending over for 4-6 weeks to prevent pressure changes.
  • Regular follow-up visits with the neurosurgery and endocrinology teams for long-term monitoring.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full hormonal stabilization and assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering pituitary gland cancer in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for pituitary gland cancer compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 3,807 – USD 9,245 3-7 days ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full hormonal stabilization and assessment Know More
Turkey USD 28,184 – USD 68,446 3-7 days ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full hormonal stabilization and assessment Know More

Top hospitals for Pituitary Gland Cancer in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing pituitary gland cancer.

Cytecare Hospital

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon48 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon129 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

  • IconBhubaneshwar, India
  • Icon55 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon200 Doctors

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon250 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad

  • IconGhaziabad, India
  • Icon43 Doctors

SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon71 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon145 Doctors

Medanta The Medicity

  • IconGurgaon, India
  • Icon900 Doctors

Nanavati Max Hospital

  • IconMumbai, India
  • Icon187 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

  • IconHyderabad, India
  • Icon67 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

At my age, you worry about...

At my age, you worry about being a bother. Dr. Narayanamurthy never made me feel that way. He explained my medication changes slowly, and his manner was very calming. The clinic at MGM was busy, but he took his time.

Neurosurgeons for Pituitary Gland Cancer

Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform pituitary gland cancer and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Muralidhar Pai
  • 36 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

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Dr. Dipendra Kumar Pradhan
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

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Dr. Arjun Shetty
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

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Dr. Kiran. S. Khanapure
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

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Dr. Rajan Kumar
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

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Dr. Kaushik Sil
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

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Dr. Nandish H S
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

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Dr. Abdul Naim Ostagar
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

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Dr. Veekshith Shetty
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
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02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road

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Dr. Nirup Datta
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

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Dr. Amitabha Das
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

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Dr. Rn Bhattacharya
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

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Dr. Dibyendu Kumar Ray Kumar
  • 32 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

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Dr. Abdul Naim Ostagar
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
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MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

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Dr. Anirudh S
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Varthur Road

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Dr. Vinayaka M
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Varthur Road

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Dr. Abdul Aziz Riyaz
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Varthur Road

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Dr. Arijit Chakraborty
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

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Dr. Anuvrat Sinha
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. Ritesh Kumar Bhoot
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
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MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

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