Hypothalamic TumorSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Hypothalamic Tumor
A hypothalamic tumor is an abnormal growth in the hypothalamus gland, which is located in the brain.
Hypothalamic glioma; Hypothalamus - tumor
The exact cause of hypothalamic tumors is not known. It is likely that they result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
In children, most hypothalamic tumors are gliomas. Gliomas are a common type of brain tumor that result from the abnormal growth of glial cells, which support nerve cells. Gliomas can occur at any age. They are often more aggressive in adults than in children.
In adults, tumors in the hypothalamus are more likely cancer that has spread from another organ.
People with neurofibromatosis (a hereditary condition) are at increased risk for this type of tumor. People who have undergone radiation therapy are at increased risk of developing tumors in general.
These tumors can cause a range of symptoms:
- Euphoric "high" sensations
- Faltering weight (lack of normal growth in children)
- Headache
- Hyperactivity
- Loss of body fat and appetite (cachexia)
These symptoms are most often seen in children whose tumors affect the front part of the hypothalamus.
Some tumors may cause vision loss. If the tumors block the flow of spinal fluid, headaches and sleepiness may result from fluid collecting in the brain (hydrocephalus).
Some people can have seizures as a result of brain tumors. Other people may develop precocious puberty from a change in pituitary gland function.
The treatment depends on how aggressive the tumor is, and whether it is a glioma or another type of cancer. Treatment may involve combinations of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Special radiation treatments can be focused on the tumor. They can be as effective as surgery, with less risk to surrounding tissue. Brain swelling caused by a tumor may need to be treated with steroids.
Hypothalamic tumors may produce hormones or affect hormone production, leading to imbalances that may need to be corrected. In some cases, hormones may need to be replaced or reduced.
USC Neurosurgeons Inc.
Gabriel Zada is a Neurosurgery provider practicing medicine in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Zada is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hypothalamic Tumor. He is also highly rated in 49 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Pituitary Tumor, Hypothalamic Tumor, Brain Tumor, Endoscopic Transnasal Transsphenoidal Surgery, and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery. Dr. Zada is board certified in American Board Of Neurological Surgeons.
Barrow Brain And Spine
Dr. Little specializes in treating brain tumors (e.g., meningioma, glioma, etc) and pituitary tumors (e.g. acromegaly, Cushings disease, pituitary adenoma), trigeminal neuralgia, and Chiari malformation. He is the Surgical Director of the Barrow Pituitary Center and the Director of the Barrow Skull Base Program. He works with an experienced team of doctors and nurses to provide you with a treatment plan tailored for your concerns. He is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. When selecting a neurosurgeon, experience matters; Dr. Little performs more pituitary surgery than any surgeon in the Southwest. Dr. Little believes in patient education and empowering his patients to be partners in directing their treatment. Dr. Little emphasizes minimally invasive surgical techniques whenever possible.Dr. Little also directs an impactful clinical research program that is laser-focused on helping patients and developing new treatments for brain tumors. He has received numerous awards for his research.At BBS, we put our patients first. We are committed to treating our patients with compassion and to providing innovative and sound medical options for the treatment of our patient's neurological conditions. As a patient of BBS, your health and well-being are important to us. The neurosurgeons, physiatrists, hospital staff, neurological institute, and other members of our multidisciplinary team work together with one goal in mind - helping you get well. Dr. Little is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hypothalamic Tumor. He is also highly rated in 53 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Pituitary Tumor, Hypothalamic Tumor, Brain Tumor, Endoscopic Transnasal Transsphenoidal Surgery, and Balloon Sinuplasty. Dr. Little is currently accepting new patients.
UPMC Neurological Institute - Presbyterian
Dr. Gardner is the Peter J. Jannetta Endowed Chair of neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and director of the Center for Skull Base Surgery. He specializes in endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery, pituitary tumors, Neuroendoport brain surgery, and vascular neurosurgery. Dr. Gardner is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hypothalamic Tumor. He is also highly rated in 61 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Chordoma, Pituitary Tumor, Meningioma, Nerve Decompression, and Endoscopic Transnasal Transsphenoidal Surgery. Dr. Gardner is board certified in American Board Of Neurological Surgery. Dr. Gardner is currently accepting new patients.
You can often help the stress of illness by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems.
The outlook depends on:
- The type of tumor (glioma or other type)
- Location of tumor
- Grade of tumor
- Size of tumor
- Your age and general health
In general, gliomas in adults are more aggressive than in children and usually have a worse outcome. Tumors that cause hydrocephalus may cause more complications, and may need surgery.
Complications of brain surgery may include:
- Bleeding
- Brain damage
- Death (rarely)
- Infection
Seizures can result from the tumor or from any surgical procedure on the brain.
Hydrocephalus can occur with some tumors and can require surgery or a catheter placed in the brain to reduce spinal fluid pressure.
Risks for radiation therapy include damage to healthy brain cells when tumor cells are destroyed.
Common side effects from chemotherapy include loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and fatigue.
Contact your provider if you or your child develops any symptoms of a hypothalamic tumor. Regular medical check-ups may detect early signs of a problem, such as abnormal weight gain or early puberty.
Summary: Tumors of the pituitary gland comprise up to 20% of all brain tumors. The central location and the small size of the pituitary gland make the management of tumors particularly challenging. Transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) to resect pituitary tumors is highly successful at achieving complete cure for functional pituitary adenomas. It is most successful when such adenomas can be localized by preoperati...
Summary: This study is designed as a single institution trial. The study utilizes safe and clinically-validated tools for preoperative workup of patients with small pituitary tumors. DDAVP stimulation and 18F-labeled fluoro-deoxyglucose (FDG) uptake for PET-imaging will be used to detect MRI-negative pituitary adenomas in patients with Cushing s disease. Patients who have MRI-negative pituitary microadenom...
Published Date: March 31, 2024
Published By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Editorial update 04/14/2026.
Goodden J, Mallucci C. Optic pathway hypothalamic gliomas. In: Winn HR, ed. Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 233.
Weiss RE. Neuroendocrinology and the neuroendocrine system. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 204.