Skull Base and Pituitary Tumor Multidisciplinary Clinic

The Skull Base and Pituitary Tumor Multidisciplinary Center of the Brown University Health Cancer Institute offers comprehensive care for patients with tumors or other diseases along the base of the skull, pituitary gland, and brainstem. During the same visit, patients can consult with multiple specialists, for a coordinated and team-based approach to their care.

The center provides the region’s highest level of care available to patients. We follow a multidisciplinary approach to patient care with close collaboration between specialists. They include expert neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists / head and neck surgeons, endocrinologists, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, neuro-ophthalmologists, oculoplastic surgeons, and advanced practice providers and nurses.

What Conditions Do We Treat?

We treat all lesions and tumors that originate in and around the bone, nerves, vessels, dura, and other structures of the skull base, as well as complex tumors occurring in the brain near the skull base, or those occurring around the eyes and orbit. We also specialize in the treatment of tumors or lesions that develop in the pituitary gland, a small pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain behind the nose, which can cause changes in hormone function and visual disturbances. 

Treatment options may include surgery, medications, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve prognosis and quality of life.

Some of the conditions or we treat include:

• Pituitary adenomas
• Pituitary cysts
• Meningiomas
• Vestibular schwannomas
• Cavernous sinus tumors
• Craniopharyngiomas
• Chordomas
• Chondrosarcomas
• Brain tumors
• Epidermoid cysts
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Cerebrospinal fluid leaks
• Sinonasal tumors
• Head and neck cancers

If surgery is required, we will use surgical and endoscopic approaches that are tailored to the needs of the patient’s specific condition.

What Are the Symptoms of Skull Base and Pituitary Disease?  

Common symptoms associated with skull base, pituitary, brain, or brainstem lesions/tumors include:

• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vision problems: Including loss of peripheral vision and double vision
• Hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Facial numbness, weakness or pain
• Difficulty swallowing or speaking
• Balance problems including dizziness, vertigo, or problems with balance and coordination
• Nasal symptoms including nasal congestion, nosebleeds, or a reduced sense of smell
• Hormonal Imbalances can lead to symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, weight gain or loss, irregular menstrual periods, growth abnormalities, and changes in libido
• Fatigue, weakness, and lethargy

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your primary care physician.