Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Cancer

Advanced treatment for cancer of the endocrine system

A smiling young Caucasian man and African-American woman represent the full life that can be led after endocrine cancer treatment.

Advanced treatment for cancer of the endocrine system

The endocrine system is made up of a network of glands that produce hormones. These include the thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, pituitary gland, pancreas and adrenal glands. Endocrine cancer begins in one of these glands. Neuroendocrine cancer begins in the cells that produce hormones and can occur in many places throughout the body. These cancers are not common.

 

Scripps Cancer Center treats endocrine and neuroendocrine cancers with a variety of therapies based on the type of cancer, whether it has spread, and the patient’s medical history and overall health. Learn more about the various types of endocrine and neuroendocrine cancers below.

Adrenal cancer

Adrenal cancer is a rare cancer that starts in the adrenal glands. These glands make hormones that control blood pressure, heart rate and other functions.

 

The most common treatments for adrenal cancer are surgery to remove the adrenal gland and chemotherapy. Mitotane, a drug that reduces hormone production, also may be used as part of treatment. Learn more about adrenal cancer.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (pancreatic NETs)

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) develop in the islet cells of the pancreas. Also known as islet cell tumors, these tumors may or may not be cancerous.


If they are cancer, they may spread and need to be treated. Treatment options include surgery to remove the tumor and nearby organs or tissues that are affected, ablation to destroy cancer cells, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or a combination. Learn more about pancreatic NETs.

Parathyroid cancer

The parathyroid glands are located behind the thyroid gland in the neck. A parathyroid tumor that forms here may require treatment if it’s cancerous. The most common treatment for this rare type of cancer is surgery to remove the parathyroid gland and any nearby tissue that may be affected. Radiation and chemotherapy may be used to treat cancer that has spread. Learn more about parathyroid cancer.

Pheochromocytoma

An extremely rare type of neuroendocrine tumor, pheochromocytoma develops in the center of the adrenal gland, called the adrenal medulla. Treatment usually includes surgery to remove the gland or ablation to destroy cancer cells with heat or cold. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be used if cancer has spread. Learn more about pheochromocytoma.

Pituitary tumor

A tumor that forms in the pituitary gland is usually benign, but in rare cases it may be cancer. Malignant pituitary tumors, as well as benign tumors that interfere with hormone production, need to be treated. People who have an inherited genetic mutation have an increased risk of pituitary tumors.


Pituitary tumor treatment depends on the type and size of the tumor, whether it has grown into nearby tissues and what symptoms it may be causing. Treatment options may include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy and drug therapy to control hormone production. Learn more about pituitary tumors.

Thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer begins in the thyroid gland in the front of the neck. About 75% of thyroid cancers occur in women, and women tend to be diagnosed at a younger age than men. A family history of thyroid cancer can increase the risk.

 

Thyroid cancer treatment usually involves surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland. Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy may be used to destroy cancer cells that were not removed during surgery. Thyroid hormone therapy may be part of the treatment plan to control hormone levels. Learn more about thyroid cancer.