How Much Pituitary Adenoma Treatment Costs: Complete Price Overview by Country Comparison

Table of content

Average cost of pituitary tumor surgery: price rate by operation types

What does the cost of pituitary tumor surgery depend on?

Things included in the package of pituitary adenoma treatment, overview by country

How much pituitary adenoma treatment costs: 5 Best countries prices for pituitary tumor surgery review

Why Should You Choose Bookimed?

Key takeaways about pituitary treatment cost

FAQ

When detected, pituitary adenoma needs to be treated quickly as this diagnosis may be a life-threatening one. Want to get reasonable pricing for pituitary adenoma treatment to quit this issue as soon as possible?

Get thorough research on pituitary adenoma treatment costs based on the services provided at the major clinics of European and Eastern countries. Benefit from affordable price rates presented on our website and receive quality help to resolve the problem.

Average cost of pituitary tumor surgery: price rate by operation types

Surgical intervention is a conventional and the most popular way to treat pituitary adenoma, with the most common types being:

• Endonasal endoscopic surgery (through the nose and sinuses, without cutting the face or the skull);

• Neuroendoscopic surgery (through a small hole in the skull/ mouth/ nose);

• Craniotomy (making an incision in the scalp and removing a piece of bone from it).

So, let's highlight the features of these three interventions by comparing their price rates across countries.

The average price rate of the pituitary adenoma surgery

• Endonasal endoscopic surgery (or transsphenoidal surgery)

This minimally invasive operation means accessing the pituitary gland through the nasal cavity. There's no need for external incisions. It's the most preferred method due to its reduced recovery time and lower complication rates.

The cost can range from around $15,000 to $30,000. In countries with private or insurance-based healthcare (like Switzerland), the price ranges from $25,000 to $50,000. As usual, this price includes surgical fees, hospital stays, anesthesia, and post-operative care.

• Neuroendoscopy

It is also a minimally invasive procedure where neurosurgeons remove pituitary tumors through a small hole in the skull through the mouth or the nose.

The cost for this operation varies across European countries because of their healthcare systems, clinic policies, and individual factors. On average, the price ranges between $12,000 to $50,000.

• Craniotomy

This surgical approach is used when the adenoma is large or extends into areas that are difficult to access via the transsphenoidal approach. This surgery involves removing a portion of the skull to access the tumor.

The average ratio ranges between $10,000-$33,000. It can vary by healthcare facilities, hospital reputation, the complexity of the procedure, and other patient-related factors.

What does the cost of pituitary tumor surgery depend on?

The cost of pituitary adenoma surgery depends on various factors that influence the overall expenses:

• Operation type

There are three main types of this operation. The first is endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery, which is minimally invasive and more cost-effective. While craniotomy is a more complex and invasive procedure that costs more because of longer hospital stays and additional equipment required.

• Location

It's a fact that costs vary greatly depending on the country and clinic. There's a tendency for European countries to be more expensive than some Eastern ones like Turkey, Mexico, or Thailand. The same situation refers to hospital choice: the more credentials and accreditations a clinic has, the more expensive medical services are there.

• Surgeon’s professionalism

Highly experienced neurosurgeons are always in high demand. So, they often charge more due to their expertise and the complexity of the surgery.

• Pre and postoperative care

The total price can increase because such extra services are not included in the surgery package. This can be diagnostics (MRI, CT scans, hormone testing), postoperative therapy, physical rehabilitation, or doctor's counseling.

• Hospital facilities

Private hospitals offer advanced facilities and personalized support, bringing patients more comfort during their stay at the clinic. Single rooms, food inclusion, and extra services will increase the price. Also, extended stays or hospitalization periods at the hospital will increase costs.

• Insurance coverage

If health insurance is not included in your package, thus its extent will influence out-of-pocket expenses.

• Additional treatments

If complications occur, the cost will be impacted because of extra medications.

Considering these factors, you can control your expenses and choose a proper treatment plan to save on your budget without compromising its quality.

Things included in the package of pituitary adenoma treatment: overview by country

Remember that some treatment package components can vary depending on the chosen country and within medical institutions. So, when considering treatment in any country, we advise you to consult directly with the medical entity on their website.

To obtain detailed information about the services included in treatment packages in the specific country, you can contact Bookimed medical coordinators directly.

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How much pituitary adenoma treatment costs: 5 best countries prices for pituitary tumor surgery review

💚Germany

The cost of pituitary adenoma treatment in Germany can range from $10,500 to $20,600. Bookimed medical platform has identified three high-rated medical institutions that provide decent treatment approaches to resolve this diagnosis.

Asklepios Hospital Barmbek in Hamburg is ranked No. 1 worldwide by the Medical Travel Quality Alliance, ensuring top standards in pituitary adenoma treatment. The price rate for treatment of the pituitary adenomas is as follows:

• Gamma Knife - $9,500-$11,600;

• Brain tumor removal - $23,000-$31,600.

Medical Center in Solingen is recognized by Focus magazine as one of Germany's best clinics. It specializes in various treatments, including Pituitary adenoma. It provides the following prices for the operation:

• Transnasal resection of tumor - $23,200;

• Pituitary tumor surgery - $21,000.

Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin is a premier destination for Pituitary adenoma treatment. The institution offers the following procedure:

• Brain tumor removal - $23,200-$37,000.

💚Spain

Spain clinics apply innovative treatment methods for pituitary adenomas, offering comprehensive care for patients worldwide. The most popular method is minimally invasive surgical techniques, i.e., transsphenoidal surgery.

Renowned for high neurosurgical expertise and applying minimally invasive radiosurgical options, such as CyberKnife, Spanish medical institutions offer the following prices:

• Gamma knife from $17,300 to $18,900;

• Brain tumor removal from $20,000 to $30,000;

• Pituitary tumor surgery from $10,000 to $30,000;

• Craniotomy from $9,000 to $30,000.

The most well-known and reputable clinic in Barcelona is Centro Médico Teknon Hospital. It’s recognized for high success rates and ranked Spain's No. 1 and Europe's 3rd leading clinic for successful treatments. It specializes in neurosurgery with advanced procedures for pituitary adenoma treatment, such as transnasal tumor resection. 

Here, the prices for pituitary tumor operations in the hospital are the following:

• Brain tumor removal - $26,600-$38,000;

• Craniotomy - $23,000-$30,600.

💚Thailand

Thailand is known for its high-tech medical facilities and experienced healthcare professionals. It makes the country an attractive destination for neurosurgical procedures, particularly for pituitary adenoma treatment.

Bumrungrad International Hospital is ranked among the world's Top 10 best hospitals and Top 30 most technologically advanced clinics, ensuring high standards for pituitary adenoma treatment. This is the first Asian hospital to receive JCI accreditation (Joint Commission International), highlighting excellence of medical services and patient safety.

The clinic provides the following most popular methods of pituitary tumor treatment:

• Brain tumor removal - $16,700-$25,800;

• Transnasal resection of tumor - $18,900-$21,900.

💚Turkey

Turkey is a major destination for pituitary adenoma treatment. Itoffers advanced medical facilities, experienced neurosurgeons, and cost-effective care. 

The price of pituitary tumor surgery in Turkey is significantly lower compared to many Western countries, making it an attractive option for international patients. 

The average cost ranges from $15,000 to $18,000. This price typically includes the neurosurgeon's fees, anesthesia, operating charges, medications, and several days of hospital stay.

Here’s the list of average prices for the most common procedures in Turkish medical clinics and the top 3 Turkish clinics that guarantee a high level of medical services for treating pituitary tumors:

• Gamma knife: $7,300-$9,000;

• Brain tumor removal: $7,000-$22,000;

• Pituitary tumor surgery: $5,000-$15,000;

• Craniotomy: $5,000-$10,000.

Memorial Şişli Hospitalis ranked as the best hospital group for American patients outside the USA by US News & World Report. It's also accredited by Joint Commission International, ensuring high-quality treatment standards. The neurosurgery department offers advanced pituitary tumor surgery techniques like transnasal resection. The costs are very inticing:

• Brain tumor removal - $9,000-$18,000;

• Gamma knife - $4,300.

Anadolu Medical Center is affiliated with Johns Hopkins Hospital and is recognized among the Top 10 hospitals globally by the Medical Travel  Quality Alliance (MTQUA) for medical tourism. Pituitary adenoma treatment includes such options as Gamma knife and craniotomy by applying innovative technologies:

• Brain tumor removal: $25,000-$35,000;

• Pituitary tumor surgery: $30,000-$36,000.

Hisar Intercontinental Hospitalspecializes in various medical fields and deals with complex health conditions. This Istanbul-based clinic attracts 250,000 patients annually, including those seeking expert care in Pituitary adenoma treatment. 

The pituitary tumor treatment cost here is around $14,400, with transnasal resection of the tumor at the same cost of $14,400.

💚Israel

The price of pituitary adenoma treatment in Israel can vary based on the chosen treatment method and the clinic. The average price range is as follows:

• Transsphenoidal surgery: from $30,000 to $40,000;

• Gamma knife radiosurgery: from $20,000 to $23,000;

• Craniotomy: from $31,000 to $36,000. 

Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov), namely its Neurosurgery Department, is considered one of the best in Israel. Here, top-level neurosurgeons explore the degree of the tumor's effect on brain function and decide whether it is possible to perform the surgery.

These types of pituitary adenoma treatment are performed at Ichilov Medical Center:

• Endonasal access through the ethmoid bone is a sparing endoscopic surgery (is performed through a probe through the nasal passages);

• Intracranial (standard neurosurgical) access if there are complications.

• It's also possible to treat pituitary tumors with a CyberKnife system to maximally save the healthy tissues.

Overall, the prices are average and can differ from the current price rate in the chosen clinic. It's also important to consider the medical facilities available at hospitals, the complexity of the surgery, and the patient's condition and needs. We recommend you check prices on the official websites or contact a representative of the chosen clinic to specify the process.

On the Bookimed platform, you'll contact medical providers who will provide precise information from each country and the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.

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Why should you choose Bookimed?

Being an international medical tourism platform, Bookimed cooperates with around 1,500 clinics in around 50 countries specializing in pituitary tumor treatment overseas. You can contact any of them via our platform and get the following benefits:

• Package offers at cost-friendly prices. We’re directly in contact with our partner clinics, so they provide unique deals for Bookimed patients.

• We offer 24/7 free support. Your personal Bookimed medical coordinator will stay in touch with you from the start of your treatment until you return home. We will also help you choose the best country destinations and hospitals that provide high-quality pituitary adenoma surgery.

• We ensure a great customer service experience. Our team arranges your treatment journey from the beginning, booking tickets and ordering the necessary surgery plans at the chosen hospital.

• Our Bookimed medical coordinators analyze the hospital's pros and cons and provide objective information, leaving you to make your own choices.

• We provide our patients with certified clinics and top doctors with years of practice and thousands of successful operations.

FAQ

What is the success rate of pituitary adenoma surgery?

The success rate of pituitary adenoma surgery depends on several factors, including the tumor type and size, whether it is functioning or non-functioning, and the surgical method used. 

For instance, the success rate of complete tumor removal for microadenoma (less than 10 mm) is 80-90%, especially for functioning tumors such as prolactinomas or growth hormone-secreting adenomas. Hormonal normalization occurs in a similar percentage of cases.

The study showeda 5- and 10-year survival rate of 94.2% and 88.2%.

In the case of macroadenoma (more than 10 mm), the success rate decreases to 50-60% for complete tumor removal due to the increased complexity.

Transsphenoidal surgery has a high success rate for smaller and more accessible tumors. Overall, the rate is around 85% for small, localized tumors.

How much does pituitary tumor surgery cost with insurance?

The price of pituitary adenoma surgery in European countries can vary greatly because of factors such as the choice of hospital, surgery type, and individual patient health issues. Although insurance can significantly reduce a patient's expenses, the exact sum covered depends on the specific insurance policy and the healthcare system in the country where the patient plans to undergo the surgery.

Here's the average price rate of pituitary surgery package in the selected countries:

We recommend consulting your insurance provider to clear up all policy details. You'll understand coverage limits, out-of-pocket expenses, and any requirements for international treatments.

How urgent is pituitary tumor surgery?

The urgency of pituitary tumor surgery depends on several factors, including the type, size, and effects of the tumor:

• Non-functioning tumors do not require immediate surgery unless they cause significant pressure on surrounding structures.

• Functioning tumors may require quicker intervention to control hormone levels and prevent complications.

• Symptoms like pressure on the optic nerve, persistent or worsening headaches, and severe hormonal imbalances can necessitate the urgency for surgery treatment.

• Macroadenomas larger than 1 cm can require more urgent surgery than microadenomas unless they secrete hormones and grow quickly.

How much does a pituitary adenoma MRI cost?

The cost of a brain MRI to diagnose a pituitary adenoma fluctuates across countries:

- Germany: $700 to $1,200 (at the Medical Center in Solingen is $1578 with contrast);

- Spain: $550 to $750;

- Turkey: $250 to $500 ($400-$550 for brain MRI with contrast);

- Thailand: $300 to $600.

What are the potential complications of surgery, such as vision loss or hormonal imbalances?

As with any surgery, pituitary tumor surgery has some complications that include:

• Vision loss or impairment, such as blurred or double vision, is caused by the damage of optic nerves or nearby structures.

• Hormonal imbalances because of hypothalamus disruption. It involves adrenal insufficiency, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes insipidus, hypogonadism, etc.

• Cerebrospinal fluid leak because of the disruption of the barrier between the nasal cavity and the brain.

• Anosmia, meaning loss of smell because of the damage to the nasal structures or olfactory nerves. 

Can the tumor be managed with medication alone?

Yes, some types of pituitary adenomas can be managed with medication only. However, it depends on the type, size, and the hormones they produce:

• Prolactinomas can be treated with drugs containing dopamine agonists (cabergoline and bromocriptine) that reduce prolactin production and often shrink the tumor.

• Growth hormone-secreting tumors (acromegaly) can be treated with somatostatin analogs to reduce growth hormone secretion.

• ACTH(adrenocorticotropic)-secreting tumors (Cushing’s disease: steroidogenesis inhibitors will reduce cortisol production.

• Non-functioning pituitary tumorsdon’t produce excess hormones, so medications aren’t typically effective. Treatment may involve observation, surgery, or radiation if the tumor has vision problems.

So, medication can be effective for prolactinomas and sometimes for hormone-secreting tumors. However, the treatment plan should be created according to the individual’s condition, and its regular monitoring.

Will radiation affect my brain or nearby organs?

Radiation therapy should be carefully planned to minimize its effects on the brain and nearby organs, but the impact can result in the following outcomes:

• Direct radiation to the brain: fatigue, headaches, memory changes, or cognitive difficulties may occur temporarily.

• Long-term risks include a very small chance of radiation necrosis (dead tissue) in rare cases.

• The pituitary gland is close to the optic chiasm (where optic nerves cross). Careful planning ensures these structures receive minimal radiation to prevent vision problems.

• Radiation can affect the hypothalamus or the remaining parts of the pituitary gland, potentially causing hormonal imbalances. 

• Radiation can lead to changes in blood vessels near the treatment area, but modern targeting reduces this risk significantly.

What are the signs that the tumor is returning or growing?

Signs of a tumor returning or growing can differ depending on its location, type, and size. However, there are common symptoms that include:

• Persistent or worsening pain in a specific area.

• New lump or swelling in the previously affected area.

• Difficulty with movement, speech, or other functions related to the tumor’s location.

• Unexplained and persistent fatigue.

• Unintentional weight loss.

• Worsening headaches, especially those worse in the morning and accompanied by nausea or vomiting.

• Difficulty with concentration, memory loss, or mood swings.

• Difficulty breathing or unexplained breathlessness.

• Presence of blood in sputum.

• New or worsening constipation, diarrhea, or blood in the stool.

• Swelling of lymph nodes near the area where the tumor was treated.

Will I need lifelong monitoring and care?

The necessity for lifelong monitoring depends on several factors, like the type of adenoma, its influence on hormone level, the surgery and treatment method, and a patient's overall health:

• Functioning adenomas (like prolactinomas and growth hormone-secreting adenomas) require monitoring to ensure stable hormone levels.

• If the adenoma is fully removed and the pituitary gland is intact, follow-up may be done rarely. However, if gland damage occurs, you may need hormone replacement therapy.

• If the medication involves controlling hormone levels, regular check-ups are necessary to adjust doses.

• Regular hormonal testing is also necessary to detect any new imbalances in advance.

Can the tumor be removed entirely or controlled?

Yes, pituitary tumors can be removed entirely and thoroughly controlled, depending on the tumor's size, type, and location. It's done via non-invasive surgery, particularly transsphenoidal surgery. This method has a high success rate for small, well-defined tumors.