Types of Endocrine Cancer
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.
Symptoms
Endocrine cancer symptoms can vary widely, based on where the tumor is located and often are similar to other conditions. In some instances, there are no symptoms. But among the more common symptoms:
Changes in bowel/bladder habits
Diarrhea
Depression
Yellowing (jaundice) of the skin and eyes
Nausea
Lump or thickening in any part of the body
Unexplained and persistent pain in a specific part of the body
Headaches
Anxiety
Sweating
Fever
Unexplained tiredness
