Our Approach

The Massachusetts General Hospital Neuroendocrine & Pituitary Clinical Center provides a multidisciplinary approach to patients with pituitary and hypothalamic disorders.

Comprised of endocrinologists, neurologists, and neurosurgeons, the Neuroendocrine & Pituitary Clinical Center is a national referral center for the evaluation and treatment of pituitary tumors, recurrent pituitary adenomas, and tumors or disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary region.

The center is ideally suited for the referral of patients with pituitary tumors, including prolactinomas, Cushing's disease, acromegaly, nonfunctioning pituitary tumors, recurrent pituitary adenomas and pituitary and hypothalamic disorders which lead to adrenal, thyroid, ovarian or testicular deficiency.

Patients can be referred for the development of a treatment plan in conjunction with their primary physician, for a second opinion, or for ongoing management by the center physicians.

Diagnosis

The Neuroendocrine Clinical Center offers detailed outpatient evaluation of all disorders affecting the endocrine function of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, achieved through comprehensive office visits, complete basal and dynamic hormone testing, and coordination of radiological studies and visual field evaluations. Patients are presented at the weekly Neuroendocrine Clinical Conference which is attended by endocrinologists, neurosurgeons, neurologists, and radiation therapy physicians. A diagnostic and therapeutic plan is formulated for each patient and provided to the referring physician.

Special Expertise

Areas in which the Neuroendocrine Clinical Center provides special multidisciplinary expertise include:

Stereotactic Proton Radiosurgery

The Neuroendocrine Clinical Center offers Stereotactic Proton Radiosurgery, an innovative program utilizing proton beam therapy and conventional radiation therapy, for treatment of pituitary lesions.  Our laser-guided MR imaged stereotactic intrasellar tumor localization can be used for selected patients with untreated pituitary tumors, incomplete surgical resection, or tumor recurrence.

Physicians' Pituitary Information Service

Physicians with questions may contact Beverly Biller, MD or Anne Klibanski, MD at 617.726.3965 or 1.888.429.6863 or via e-mail pituitary.info@partners.org.

About this Program

The Massachusetts General Hospital Neuroendocrine and Pituitary Clinical Center is a national referral center for patients with neuroendocrine disorders and conditions including evaluation and treatment of pituitary tumors, recurrent pituitary adenomas, and tumors or disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary region.

We are situated within a large general hospital with a closely affiliated pediatric endocrinology program, as well as world renowned medical, surgical and subspecialty divisions. Our patients are followed through the course of treatment in a longitudinal fashion for ongoing management of their condition. Additionally, patients can be referred for the development of a treatment plan in conjunction with their primary physician or for a second endocrine opinion.

Conditions Commonly Managed

The Neuroendocrine and Pituitary Clinical Center is a national referral center ideally suited for patients with pituitary tumors:
•    Including prolactinomas
•    Cushing's disease
•    Acromegaly
•    Nonfunctioning pituitary tumors
•    Thyrotroph adenomas
•    Recurrent pituitary adenomas
•    Pituitary & hypothalamic disorders which lead to adrenal, thyroid, ovarian, testicular or growth hormone deficiency

Endocrinologists in the center are experienced in the chronic administration of replacement hormones and in the use of drugs which block hormone excess syndromes. They are experienced in the use of investigational drugs for the treatment of prolactin and growth hormone disorders. They have been at the forefront of medical therapy for pituitary disorders with the use of new dopamine agonists for prolactinomas and somatostatin analogues for acromegaly.

Neuroendocrine and Pituitary Clinical Center neurologists are available for the pharmacological treatment of headaches, seizures, and hypothalamic syndromes; and our clinical nurse offers patient education, including teaching self-administration of medications requiring injection for all patients.

Schedule an appointment at the Neuroendocrine and Pituitary Clinical Center by calling 617-726-7948.

Acromegaly

Acromegaly is a disorder of the pituitary gland which produces excess growth hormones and thus results in excessive growth, first in the hands and feet, as soft tissue begins to swell.

Pituitary Tumors

Although rare, most pituitary tumors are not cancerous (benign), comprising only 7 percent of brain tumors. However, most pituitary tumors will press against the optic nerves, causing vision problems.

The following related clinical trials and research studies are currently seeking participants at Massachusetts General Hospital. Search for clinical trials and studies in another area of interest.

Neuroendocrine and Pituitary Clinical Center

Phone: 617-726-7948
Fax: 617-726-1241
Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday

Public Transportation Access: yes
Disabled Access: yes

Scheduling an Appointment at the Neuroendocrine and Pituitary Clinical Center Outpatient visits can be arranged by calling 617-726-7948.
Neuroendocrine and Pituitary Clinical Center Inpatient ConsultsInpatient consultations can be arranged by calling 617-726-7948.

Preparing For Your Appointment at Mass GeneralIf you are a new patient at Mass General, prepare for your appointment. Register and obtain a "Blue Card" by calling 800-211-6588 in advance of your appointment. If you do not have a card or your card needs to be updated, please visit one of the registration areas in the hospital's main building at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment.

Consult our appointments page for details about what to bring to your appointment. Please call us in advance of your appointment of you have any questions.

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