The surgical neuropathology consultation service at UCSF provides accurate and timely expert diagnosis of neoplastic and non-neoplastic pituitary disorders. Three nationally and internationally recognized experts, Andrew Bollen DVM, MD, Tarik Tihan MD, PhD, and Scott VandenBerg MD, PhD, provide the consultations. Rapid diagnoses are made with the aid of highly specialized testing, such as hormonal profiling, screening for genetic markers of tumor progression, and analysis of tissue markers for prognosis. Electron microscopy is used for ultrastructural analysis of complex cases.

A large collection of specimens, tissue data base, and comprehensive teaching sets of common and rare diseases allow for a world-class training program. A visiting fellowship program is also offered through the Department of Pathology.

Neuropathology research at UCSF has a strong translational infrastructure and our investigators are at the forefront of applying recent discoveries made in the laboratory to everyday neuropathology practice. State-of-the-art techniques such as array-CGH, proteomics, and gene-expression profiling are used to analyze pituitary tumors as components of research projects, and for clinical studies of rare pituitary neoplasms, such as pituicytomas.

Neuropathologists provide support for treatment protocols and ongoing clinical trials for pituitary disorders, in addition to engaging in extensive collaboration with other specialized centers of excellence.

Faculty