Endocrine Cancer

Endocrine cancer is a group of cancers that originate in the endocrine system, the body’s network of hormone-producing glands. Many endocrine cancers are rare, but others, such as thyroid cancer, are fairly common.

Endocrine cancer can originate in any part of the endocrine system, which is responsible for many different functions throughout the body. The hormones produced by the endocrine system affect metabolism, growth and development, sexual function, mood, and even the sleep-wake cycle. 

One of the biggest functions of the endocrine system is homeostasis, which keeps everything inside your body—such as your blood pressure, blood sugar, and electrolytes—carefully balanced.

How is endocrine cancer diagnosed?

If you’re experiencing symptoms that may be related to endocrine cancer, a medical provider may use a number of tools to make a diagnosis, starting with a thorough physical examination.

During a physical exam, your provider will get a close look at your entire body, paying particular attention to the part or parts of the body affected by symptoms. You’ll also be asked questions about the symptoms you’re experiencing, along with your personal and family medical history.

Other diagnostic tools used to diagnose endocrine cancer may include:

  • Biopsy to obtain and test a tissue sample looking for cancerous cells
  • Blood or urine tests to check for abnormal hormone levels or other markers of disease
  • Imaging tests, such as a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound, to get a detailed look at part of the body

If you’re diagnosed with some type of endocrine cancer, genetic testing of the tumor may also be recommended. This type of testing examines the tumor itself, analyzing its genetic makeup. The results are often used to determine the best treatment plan for that specific tumor.

Can endocrine cancer be prevented?

There’s no foolproof way to prevent all cases of endocrine cancer. While the risk factors for each type of endocrine cancer differ, many risk factors for these diseases are nonmodifiable—or beyond your control. Being female and between the ages of 25 and 80 puts you at an increased risk of thyroid cancer, for example.

Other risk factors, such as the smoking and alcohol consumption tied to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, are controllable. Practicing healthy lifestyle habits can help you lower the risk of developing most types of cancer, including endocrine cancer. 

These habits can improve your overall health and lower your risk:

  • Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, work with a medical provider to create a cessation plan. Smoking is the single most preventable cause of disease and death. 
  • Move your body regularly. Aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week, which is around 20 minutes per day of an activity like brisk walking or water aerobics.
  • Eat a diet filled with fruits and vegetables. Fruits and veggies are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Supplement them with lean protein and whole grains, along with a small amount of healthy fats, such as those found in avocado or nuts.
  • Limit your alcohol consumption. Experts recommend no more than one alcoholic beverage per day for women and no more than two per day for men. Less is better.

Because many types of endocrine cancer are also connected to other medical conditions, it’s important to carefully manage any conditions you have. If you’ve been diagnosed with a condition such as diabetes, work with a medical provider to create an effective treatment plan.

Types of Endocrine Cancer

The organs and glands of the endocrine system span most of the body. There are multiple types of endocrine cancer, named by the part of the body they affect:

  • Pancreatic cancer originates in the pancreas, an organ and gland responsible for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
  • Parathyroid cancer originates in one of the four parathyroid glands, which are responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood.
  • Thyroid cancer originates in the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland responsible for controlling metabolism.

Less common types of endocrine cancer include adrenal cancer, affecting the adrenal glands, hypothalamic endocrine tumors, affecting the hypothalamus, and pituitary tumors, affecting the pituitary glands. Certain types of neuroendocrine tumors, which affect both the endocrine and nervous systems, can also be defined as endocrine cancer.

Because each individual endocrine cancer affects a specific part of the body, symptoms vary significantly depending on the type of cancer. Someone who has thyroid cancer may experience swelling in the neck and difficulty swallowing, while someone with pancreatic cancer may have jaundice (yellowing of the skin) and abdominal pain.

Endocrine Cancer Treatment

Treatment for endocrine cancer will depend on a number of factors, including the specific type of cancer, the stage of cancer, and the patient’s overall health. In most cases, a treatment plan for endocrine cancer will include surgery to remove the entire tumor or as much of the tumor as possible.

Treatment may also include:

In some cases, endocrine cancer may be slow-growing, so observation known as “watchful waiting” may be recommended in lieu of active treatment.

Many patients with endocrine cancer are treated using multiple therapies. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are often used either before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor or after surgery to fully eradicate cancer from the body.

Choose NGMC for Endocrine Cancer Care

Endocrine cancers are less well-known than other types of cancer, but just as impactful on the lives of those they affect. If you’ve been diagnosed with some type of endocrine cancer, you can rely on the expertise of the team of board-certified oncologists at NGMC. 

We offer comprehensive services for diagnosing and treating endocrine cancer, including minimally invasive options when possible. We can also connect patients with clinical trials when available and appropriate, giving our patients access to the latest advancements in care.

For more information about cancer care at NGMC or to learn about support groups, please call 770-219-8815.