Trusted Care for Conditions of the Thyroid, Adrenal and Pituitary Glands and More
At the Orlando Health Cancer Institute’s Endocrine Cancer Center, we understand how a cancer diagnosis can affect you and your family.
Our fellowship-trained physicians are highly specialized in all types of endocrine cancer and are ready to provide expert diagnosis and treatment for every facet of your care. Our multidisciplinary team includes endocrinologists, surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and specialized nurses.
Our coordinated care approach means every aspect of your treatment will be handled by our compassionate team members, who will design a care plan to meet your unique needs.
Types of Endocrine Cancer @accordionTitleTag.Name>
There are many types of endocrine cancer, which can be found in any of the glands and cells responsible for producing the hormones that control our cells and organs. Treatment options are often influenced by the location of the cancer.
Adrenal cancer is found in one or both of the small triangular glands located above the kidneys. These glands produce hormones that help control blood pressure, blood sugar and the body’s response to stressors. These cancers – most often found in children under 5 and adults in their 40s and 50s – can be difficult to treat, though a cure is more likely if detected early.
Thyroid cancer is found in the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland found at the base of your neck. The gland produces hormones that help control your body’s metabolism, blood temperature, blood pressure and heart rate. Most thyroid cancers are very treatable, with a high cure rate.
This is a rare and aggressive form of thyroid cancer that grows quickly and often spreads to other parts of the body. All stages of the cancer – most often found in people over 60 – are considered stage IV because of the aggressive nature of the tumors.
This is a group of thyroid cancers with cells that look similar to healthy thyroid cells when viewed under a microscope. They tend to be slow growing, with a high cure rate. Among these cancers are papillary thyroid cancer and follicular thyroid cancer.
This cancer develops inside the thyroid gland and is one of the rarest types of thyroid cancer. About 25 percent of these cancers are linked to an inherited condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. This is a slow-growing cancer with strong cure rates if discovered early.
Parathyroid cancer is found in any of the four parathyroid glands, usually located behind the thyroid gland in your neck. They produce a hormone that helps regulate the amount of calcium in your blood. Because of the nature of the tumor, surgery is the preferred treatment option.
This is a family of rare cancers that start in neuroendocrine cells and can be found anywhere in the body, though most frequently in the lungs, appendix, small intestine, rectum and pancreas. These cancers can be slow- or fast-growing and often do not cause any symptoms in the early stages. Treatment and outlook are highly dependent on several factors, including the type of tumor and location.
Often tumors found in the adrenal, thyroid and parathyroid glands are noncancerous (benign). In many cases, there is no need to treat them. But sometimes, these tumors can interfere with the normal function of the gland and may require surgery or medications.
Risk Factors
Unlike with many other cancers, we don’t know a lot about endocrine tumor risk factors, other than above average exposure to radiation and links to various genetic conditions.
The cause of most neuroendocrine tumors is unknown, and researchers have not yet identified any avoidable risk factors. These tumors are more common among women than men. There may be links with a variety of hereditary conditions, including Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 and tuberous sclerosis complex.
With thyroid cancers, three in four cases are in women and about two-thirds are in the 20 to 55 age group. Diets low in iodine and exposure to moderate levels of radiation may also play a role. There also are genetic links, including multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 and a family history of medullary thyroid cancer or precancerous polyps in the colon.
Adrenal cancers have links to several genetic conditions, including multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, Neurofibromatosis type 1 and Carney complex.
Meet the Endocrine Cancer Team
Our highly specialized team of fellowship-trained physicians can provide top care for all forms of endocrine cancer. As members of your greater cancer care team at the Cancer Institute, we work to deliver outstanding care and the best possible outcome.
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Clinical Trials
When appropriate, we also offer our patients the option to participate in clinical trials to try a promising new medical drug or other treatment.
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Diagnosis and Treatments
Making treatment decisions can be overwhelming. Our promise is to work with you to find the best treatment plan for you or your loved one.
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Request an Appointment
If you have been diagnosed with endocrine cancer, our highly specialized team is ready to evaluate you and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
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