The Pituitary Tumor Center
The Pituitary Tumor Center at UTHealth Houston Neurosciences provides state-of-the-art care for patients experiencing problems from pituitary and parasellar tumors.
These tumors may cause a wide range of disorders and present with a variety of symptoms, including hormonal changes, vision loss, and infertility, making an early and precise diagnosis essential to their treatment. Led by Spiros Blackburn, MD, the Pituitary Tumor Center brings together a diverse range of physicians across subspecialties with the specific expertise needed to accurately diagnose and evaluate each case.
Physicians at UTHealth Houston Neurosciences engage referring physicians in the care of their patients, keeping them informed about patient progress throughout the evaluation and treatment process.
After a patient’s treatment, referring physicians receive a summary and a plan for followup. Our physicians encourage continued communication about each patient.
Collaboration with Referring Physicians
Committed to patient satisfaction and outstanding clinical outcomes, the Pituitary Tumor Center operates under a unique integrative approach. Physicians at the clinic evaluate each patient’s case and incorporate otorhinolaryngology, endocrinology, neuro-ophthalmology, neuroradiology, radiation oncology, and pathology for a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan.
To minimize patient visits, a UTHealth Houston endocrinologist and radiation oncologist sees patients in our clinic and creates a plan of care in collaboration with our neuroscience team. Should a patient need endoscopic surgery, both a neurosurgeon and head and neck surgeon work together on the case, operating in tandem on a transsphenoidal endoscopic approach which helps improve patient outcomes and minimize recovery time. This collaborative system streamlines the patient experience and is an integral part of patient care at UTHealth Houston Neurosciences.
Innovative Technology
Minimally invasive approaches to the skull base have improved dramatically with recent technological advancements in camera technology. These advancements have made it possible to resect complex skull base tumors through the nose. Our 4K HD cameras provide a superior view to perform many surgeries through the nose, avoiding a scalp incision and brain exposure.
UTHealth Houston Neurosciences offers patients treatment with the Leksell Gamma Knife® Icon™. The Icon allows for the treatment of a broader range of anatomical structures than earlier Gamma Knife models. It also improves treatment planning and patient comfort, and reduces treatment time.
Scope of Expertise
The team of experienced physicians at the Pituitary Tumor Center treats a wide range of complex conditions, including:
- Cortisol-secreting tumors causing Cushing’s disease
- Growth hormone-secreting tumors causing acromegaly
or gigantism - Non-secretory pituitary tumors
- Pituitary cysts
- Prolactin-secreting tumors causing galactorrhea or infertility
Pituitary Region Tumors
- Epidermoid cysts
- Craniopharyngiomas
- Germ cell tumors
- Meningiomas (arising from the orbit of skull base near the pituitary gland and optic nerves)
- Metastatic tumors
- Rathke’s cleft cysts
Procedures and Treatment
Physicians at the clinic are highly experienced in new, state-of-the-art microscopic and endoscopic skull base procedures. Patients have access to leading-edge treatment methods, including:
- Radiation therapy
- Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery
- Transcranial approaches
- Transsphenoidal endoscopic approaches
To refer a patient to the Pituitary Tumor Center, or for more information about UTHealth Houston Neurosciences, please click the button below or call (713) 486-7760.
Patient Success Story:
Diagnosis & Treatment of Cushing’s Disease Caused by Pituitary Adenoma
In November 2021, Xavier Alejandro Pech, 49, began suffering severe bone and joint pain and dizziness. Prior to the onset of these symptoms, he endured others that came and went over a period of three years: difficulty swallowing, allergies, fatigue, muscle stiffness, flatulence, muscle weakness, and weight gain that fluctuated between 270 and 308 pounds. Continue Reading »
Contact Us
At UTHealth Houston Neurosciences, we offer patients access to specialized neurological care at clinics across the greater Houston area. To ask us a question, schedule an appointment, or learn more about us, please call (713) 486-8000, or click below to send us a message. In the event of an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.
UTHealth Houston Neurosciences – Texas Medical Center
6400 Fannin St, Suite 2800
Houston, TX 77030
Phone: (713) 486-8000
Fax: (713) 486-8088
TO REFER A PATIENT:
P: (713) 486-7760
F: (713) 500-0884