Pituitary tumors are more common than many realize and often go undiagnosed. In this episode, Dr. Siviero Agazzi and Dr. Marla Sevilla Alsina from Tampa General Hospital and the University of South Florida explain how to recognize symptoms, when treatment is necessary, and what options are available, including medication and minimally invasive surgery. They share why TGH has a dedicated Pituitary Center and how advanced technologies like endoscopic skull base surgery and intraoperative MRI are improving care. The doctors introduce the multidisciplinary team behind the USF-TGH Pituitary Program, which includes neurosurgeons, endocrinologists, ENT specialists, and more. Whether you're newly diagnosed or seeking expert care, this episode offers clarity and hope.
Ask An Expert: Understanding Pituitary Adenomas
Marla Sevilla Alsina, MD | Siviero Agazzi, MD, MBA, FACS
Dr. Marla Sevilla-Alsina is the medical director of the Pituitary Program and the TGH site director for the USF Endocrinology Fellowship. She was born and raised in Puerto Rico and is fluent in English and Spanish. She completed her fellowship at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. She is board certified in endocrinology and internal medicine. Dr. Sevilla-Alsina has experience diagnosing and treating pituitary disorders, including Cushing’s disease, acromegaly, prolactinomas and other complex pituitary disorders. Her work emphasizes integrating the latest research and innovations to improve outcomes, while fostering a collaborative environment to support patients and health care professionals in addressing unique challenges associated with pituitary disorders.
Dr. Siviero Agazzi is the professor and vice chair of the Neurosurgery and Brain Repair and director of the Division of Cranial Surgery at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Department of Neurosurgery.
His clinical and research focus includes vestibular schwannomas and skull base tumors. His surgical practice includes convexity and
skull base meningiomas, endoscopic trans nasal and intraventricular surgery, and open vascular surgical procedures (aneurysms, AVMs and vascular bypass).
Dr. Agazzi is the director of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Complex Cranial Surgery fellowship. This CAST-accredited fellowship is one of the few in the country that provides an in-depth exposure to both skull base tumors and open vascular neurosurgery, including aneurysms, AVMs and EC-IC bypass.
Dr. Agazzi served as president of the North American Skull Base Society (NASBS) in the 2023-2024 academic year.