Endocrinology

Overview

Irina Bancos, M.D., an endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and Jamie J. Van Gompel, M.D., a neurosurgeon at Mayo Clinic's campus in Minnesota, discuss pituitary tumors that produce growth hormone. About one-third of functioning pituitary tumors may produce growth hormone — leading to acromegaly, which can cause significant pain from soft tissue swelling and increased ventricular volume.

Acromegaly develops very slowly and is often overlooked. Dr. Bancos outlines the metabolic changes and other indications that providers should look for in adults. Dr. Van Gompel explains the complexities of treating pituitary tumors that produce growth hormone. Treatment might involve somatostatin analogs or other medications, craniotomy or endoscopic tumor resection, exploration of the cavernous sinus, and various forms of radiotherapy.

Mayo Clinic researchers are actively researching improved treatment for pituitary tumors that produce growth hormone.