Hoag Endocrine Tumors Program
Endocrine tumors occur in hormone-producing glands of the endocrine system
that includes the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, intestines
and pituitary glands. Tumors arising in these glands can produce hormones
themselves, which can lead to serious illness. Not all endocrine tumors
are malignant (cancerous).
Endocrine tumors are rare and have unique complexities. That’s why
it is important to seek treatment from a team of physicians with knowledge and
experience in these diseases.
Hoag’s Endocrine Tumors Program provides a comprehensive approach
to the treatment of cancers in the
thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands, as well as intestinal carcinoid tumors,
pancreatic endocrine tumors, and
pituitary gland neoplasms. Our multidisciplinary team consists of subspecialty trained
physicians who are part of an expert team using the latest advances in
the diagnosis and treatment of endocrine tumors.
Through Hoag’s Endocrine Tumors Program, patients receive expert,
advanced care for these rare cancers.
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Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is the most common type of endocrine cancer and is in most
cases, curable. It occurs when malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissue
of the thyroid gland, a butterfly shaped organ at the base of the neck
along the windpipe that makes and secretes a hormone that regulates metabolism
and can affect the function of nearly every other organ in the body. Certain
inherited disorders may increase an individual’s risk for developing
thyroid cancer. Hoag’s multidisciplinary team of thyroid specialists
are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of thyroid cancer.
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Parathyroid Tumors
The parathyroid glands are four pea-sized organs in the neck near the
thyroid gland that produce a hormone that regulates the body’s use
and storage of calcium. Parathyroid tumors are usually benign (non-cancerous).
Parathyroid cancer is extremely rare, affecting approximately .005% of
the U.S. population annually. Certain inherited disorders may increase
an individual’s risk for developing benign parathyroid tumors or
parathyroid cancer. Hoag’s endocrine tumor physician specialists
have unique expertise in the treatment of benign and malignant parathyroid tumors.
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Adrenal Cancer (Adrenocortical Carcinoma)
Most adrenal tumors are benign. Adrenal Cancer is a rare disease that
occurs in the adrenal cortex, which is the outer layer of the adrenal
gland. The body’s two adrenal glands are small, triangle shaped
glands that sit on top of each kidney and are responsible for making important
hormones. A tumor of the adrenal cortex may be functioning (makes more
hormones than normal) or non-functioning (does not make more hormones
than normal). Certain inherited disorders may increase an individual’s
risk for developing adrenal cancer. At Hoag Family Cancer Institute, our
fellowship trained endocrine surgeons and physician specialists are experienced
in the treatment of benign adrenal tumors and all stages of adrenal cancer.
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Pheochromocytoma
Pheochromocytomas are tumors of the inner layer of the adrenal gland.
Paragangliomas are tumors arising from sympathetic ganglia and cells of
neural crest embryologic orignin. Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas
are tumors that produce excess catecholamines that can cause high blood
pressure, headaches, heart palpitations and sweating. Between 25-40 %
of these tumors are associated with an inherited genetic change that predisposes
a patient to these tumors. Malignant pheochromocytomas are rare but new
treatments have recently been approved and should soon be available at Hoag.
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Neuroendocrine and Pancreas Neuroendocrine Tumors
Neuroendocrine tumors begin in cells of the body’s neuroendocrine
system, which is responsible for releasing hormones into the blood in
response to signals from the central nervous system. Neuroendocrine cancers
are rare tumors. They can be found all over the body and are most commonly
found in the abdomen. Neuroendocrine tumors may be further classified
as carcinoid tumors or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) when they
occur in the pancreas. Certain inherited disorders may increase an individual’s
risk for developing neuroendocrine tumors. Recent innovations in imaging
including Gallium68 Dotatate PET/MRI have been pioneered at Hoag, and
Hoag was the first hospital in Orange County to offer Lutathera™
treatment for this rare form of cancer. Hoag’s Endocrine Tumors
Program is Orange County’s leading provider of neuroendocrine cancer care.
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Pituitary Tumors
Pituitary tumors begin in the pituitary gland, a pea-sized organ in the
center of the brain that makes hormones that affect many of the body’s
functions. The majority of pituitary tumors are considered benign (non-cancerous).
They are usually slow growing and can grow quite large if left untreated.
Hoag offers Orange County’s only comprehensive, multidisciplinary
approach for pituitary tumors.
Why Choose Hoag Endocrine Tumors Program for Your Care?
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Comprehensive State-of-the-Art Endocrine Tumors Program – The Hoag Endocrine Tumors Program has specialized expertise in the
diagnosis and
treatment of these rare tumors. The team works together to develop individual treatment
plans utilizing the latest advances in order to provide comprehensive,
personalized care for each patient.
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Multidisciplinary Team – The program’s
multidisciplinary team consists of fellowship trained surgeons, advanced endoscopists, medical
oncologists, endocrinologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, hepatologists,
radiologists, nuclear medicine specialists, and nurse navigators who work
together in the evaluation and treatment of patients with endocrine cancers.
The team meets regularly at tumor board sessions to review and coordinate
patient care plans.
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Research and Clinical Trials – Recent advances in the treatment of endocrine cancers are expanding treatment
options for patients with advanced or metastatic disease. Hoag’s
Endocrine Tumors Program is committed to offering promising new therapies
including access to research studies and
groundbreaking clinical trials. Hoag is a member of the International Thyroid Oncology Group and has an
active drug development effort to bring novel therapeutic agents to our
patients. Patients with rare cancers may have the DNA sequence of their
tumors analyzed to help doctors select the best treatment for the them.
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Hereditary Cancer Program – Some endocrine tumors may be caused by a hereditary condition.
Hoag’s
Hereditary Cancer Program offers genetic counseling and genetic testing for patients concerned about
hereditary cancer.
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Patient-Centered Care – Hoag Family Cancer Institute is committed to caring for the whole patient.
In addition to expert medical care, Hoag offers a range of
Cancer Support Services that provide education for patients and families, creative and therapeutic
outlets, one-on-one counseling, and other services to help patients every
step of the way.