Because we are a strong multidisciplinary team, we are able to work together to create comprehensive and individualized treatment plans for each of our patients.
When a patient is referred to our clinic, we usually begin with a diagnostic evaluation that includes a detailed history and physical examination, laboratory tests to identify the chemical abnormalities and often a MRI. We use the facilities and state-of-the-art equipment in the recently renovated Neely Neuroscience Center at Tufts Medical Center for much of our diagnostic evaluations.
Occasionally, pituitary disorders may not require intensive medical or surgical treatments but instead, can be monitored through careful observation to ensure that they do not become larger problems.
At other times, these disorders may respond to medical therapy through hormone replacement or other medications, avoiding radiation or invasive surgery.
When surgery is required, Tufts Medical Center’s Neuroendocrine and Pituitary Program offers minimally invasive pituitary surgery, which is accomplished through endoscopic approaches and requires no facial incisions or nasal packing.
When pituitary tumors are surgically inaccessible or recurrent, conventional radiation therapy or Gamma Knife (stereotactic) radiosurgery can be used. Gamma Knife treatment uses radiation in a precise way that spares normal, healthy tissue while pinpointing targets with high doses of radiation. The Gamma Knife is an effective, non-invasive alternative to traditional brain surgery. Other radiation oncology services are also available through our Radiation Oncology Department.
Most patients with diseases affecting the pituitary gland require careful ophthalmic follow-up because of the proximity of the visual apparatus. The result of pituitary disease may be loss of peripheral vision, which may not always be apparent to the patient. Also, pituitary diseases (especially tumors in this area) can affect the ocular motor nerves causing double vision.
