University of Colorado Pituitary Tumor Center
Pituitary tumors are uncommon, but cause significant disease related to the production of excess hormone(s), interference with the normal function of the pituitary gland, and compression of adjacent structures. The pituitary gland is about the size of a dime and is centrally located in the head, behind the eyes. The most common pituitary tumors are prolactinomas, that present with amenorrhea, infertility and galactorrhea in women and with impotence and loss of libido in men. Patients with growth hormone secreting tumors may have joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle weakness, sleep apnea, hypertension, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus and colon cancer. Adrenocorticotropin-secreting pituitary tumors present with centripetal obesity, muscle weakness, easy bruisability, hirsutism, amenorrhea, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and osteoporosis. Other pituitary tumors arise in thyrotrope cells, resulting in excessive thyroid gland function, and in gonadotrope cells, that often do not secrete any functional hormone. Headaches, visual disturbances and abnormal pituitary function may result from local growth of the tumor.
Comprehensive management of patients with pituitary gland disorders demands a multidisciplinary approach. Our patient care team consists of six endocrinologists who specialize in the management of patients with pituitary disease, Janice Kerr, MD, Virginia D. Sarapura MD, E. Chester Ridgway MD, Arthur Gutierrez-Hartmann MD, Margaret E. Wierman MD and Michael T. McDermott MD, and a neurosurgeon highly skilled in pituitary surgery, Kevin 0. Lillehei MD. Our team works together with our trained staff in a combined neuroendocrinology and neurosurgery clinic. We work closely with Bette K. DeMasters MD who is a neuropathologist with extensive expertise in the immunohistochemical analysis of pituitary tissue, as well as with our neuro-ophthalmology, neuroradiology and radiation oncology services, to offer the most sophisticated diagnostic and treatment options available at one site in this geographic area. We also provide the newest treatment options available by participating in clinical trials of novel drugs.
The Pituitary Tumor Center is located in the Anschutz Outpatient Pavilion at the Anschutz Centers for Advanced Medicine at 1635 N. Ursula, Aurora CO 80010. For appointments or additional information, please call 720.848.2650
Patient brochures are available for Pituitary tumors.