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theijcs.com The IJCS / Vol 1 / Issue 1

Endocrine tumors

Dr Aman Sharma,
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology,
IGMC, Shimla, HP

Contributing Authors Affiliations:
N/A

Abstract:
Endocrine cancers are those found in tissues of the endocrine system, which includes the thyroid, adrenal, pancreas,
parathyroid, and pituitary glands. ADRENAL TUMORS: The adrenal glands are the pair of small endocrine glands

located above the kidneys. Most growths are benign and symptoms are treatable. Malignant adrenal tumors are rare.
Treatment includes Surgery, Radiation Treatment, Chemotherapy. NEUROENDOCRINE TUMORS: The brain and
the nervous system provide the signals to the endocrine system to produce hormones that regulate bodily functions.

Since these two systems are so interdependent, they are often referred to as the neuroendocrine system. Tumors that
affect the functioning of cells within this system are collectively called neuroendocrine tumors. The primary types of
neuroendocrine tumors are: Pheochromocytoma, which affects production of adrenaline and often presents in the

adrenal glands. Neuroendocrine tumors, which is a generic term for tumors that affect hormones in major organs (such
as the pancreas). Diagnosis and Treatment: Treatment is based on where the tumor is located, how big it is, whether it
is metastasizing, and the patient's general health. The primary types of treatment for neuroendocrine tumors include:

surgery, radiation, chemotherapy. PARATHYROID TUMORS: The parathyroid glands are four pea-sized glands
located in the neck near the thyroid. Tumors can form within the tissues of the parathyroid and tend to grow very slowly,
impacting the body with over-production of parathyroid hormone, also called hyperparathyroidism. The vast majority

of parathyroid tumors are benign (not cancerous). In fact, parathyroid cancer has only been diagnosed in a few
hundred cases. Diagnosis and Treatment : Surgery is the primary treatment for parathyroid tumors. PITUITARY
TUMORS: As tiny as a pea, and located towards the bottom center of the brain, the pituitary gland secretes hormones

that stimulate other endocrine glands to function properly. The pituitary gland helps regulate metabolic functions, as
well as growth, reproduction, and blood pressure levels. Pituitary tumors can cause either too much or too little
hormone production. Treatment varies according to the size of the tumor, what structure it is affecting and how deeply

embedded in the brain. With early detection and treatment, the prognosis for recovery is generally excellent. Surgery:
is the most common option. Radiation therapy can be used along with surgery or by itself. Medication: Certain drugs
can suppress overproduction of hormones and help reduce tumor size. THYROID CANCER: Thyroid nodules are

common, but only between 5 and 10 percent of these are cancerous. Thyroid cancer treated with surgery or by
optimizing thyroid hormone therapy or using medications to lessen thyroid gland activity.

Corresponding Author
Dr Aman Sharma,
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology,
IGMC, Shimla, HP

The Integrated Indian Journal of Cancer Sciences