Expert care for cancers of the endocrine system
Though not as common as cancers of the colon, lung, breast or skin, endocrine cancers affect thousands of people each year. Endocrine cancers can occur anywhere in your endocrine system, which includes your thyroid, adrenal glands, pituitary gland, pancreas and reproductive organs.
The most common types of endocrine cancers include:
Adrenal cancer. Located above the kidneys, adrenal glands produce hormones that regulate your metabolism, blood pressure, response to stress and other bodily processes. These glands also produce sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone). Adrenal cancer can cause issues such as weight gain, high blood sugar and depression.
Pancreatic cancer. The primary job of the pancreas is to keep your blood sugar at appropriate levels. Pancreatic cancer can result in belly pain, yellowed skin and eyes, nausea and vomiting.
Thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer affects a small gland in the throat that controls your body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate and metabolism. Symptoms include a lump in the throat that sometimes grows quickly, swallowing problems, frequent hoarseness, and neck or throat pain. Thyroid cancer affects women more often than men.
Diagnosing and treating endocrine cancer
Treatment for endocrine cancer depends on several factors, including the type and severity of the cancer as well as your overall health. Common treatments include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy or surgery.
Your oncologist will discuss the most suitable treatment with you. Together, you will create a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve the best possible outcome and quality of life.