Diagnosis & Treatment
Endocrine Cancer
How is Endocrine Cancer Diagnosed?
Why Choose UsMost patients with endocrine cancers are diagnosed after presenting symptoms from a growing mass or signs of hormone excess. Endocrine cancers can also be incidentally found on imaging performed for other reasons. Many endocrine cancers are more common in people with certain hereditary conditions and those with a family history of endocrine cancers.
If you have a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia types 1 (MEN1) and 2 (MEN2), you might benefit from meeting with a genetic counselor to discuss your risk of developing tumors in the adrenal, parathyroid, pituitary, pancreas and thyroid glands.
If your doctor suspects you may have endocrine cancer, they will conduct one or more of the following tests to determine a diagnosis:
- Physical exam
- Imaging tests (including MRI, CT scan and ultrasound tests)
- Biopsy
- Blood tests
Endocrine Treatments We Offer
TreatmentsNewYork-Presbyterian's endocrine cancer experts create a unique treatment plan for each patient based on the type of cancer, the tumor size, and whether the cancer cells have metastasized. They also consider your preferences and lifestyle to ensure you feel empowered throughout your treatment journey. Treatment for endocrine cancer may include one more of the following options.
Surgery
NewYork-Presbyterian is at the forefront of minimally invasive surgery techniques for endocrine tumors. We use laparoscopic or robotic surgery to access abdominal endocrine tumors (adrenal and pancreas). Tumors are removed through less than two-centimeter incisions when possible. This allows for greater surgical precision and more rapid recovery after surgery.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapies boost the power of the immune system to find and kill cancer cells. NewYork-Presbyterian has one of the strongest immunotherapy programs in the world, featuring pioneers in this field and clinical trials of novel immunotherapy approaches. Our oncology nurses oversee the administration of immunotherapies as a treatment for endocrine cancer in our comfortable and modern infusion centers.
Radiation therapy
We use radiation to treat adrenal gland tumors, thyroid cancer, and parathyroid cancer. We also use it after surgery in some people to kill any remaining cancer cells. NewYork-Presbyterian's radiation treatment centers are state-of-the-art facilities featuring the latest highly focused radiation technologies.
Targeted therapies
We can target specific genes, proteins, or tissues in tumors that contribute to cancer growth. We routinely test tumors for a panel of mutations that then permit our physicians to precisely target the mutations driving the tumor growth.
Chemotherapy
People with certain types of thyroid cancer may require chemotherapy to shrink tumors that have spread to other areas of the body.
Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy is sometimes given to help stop tumors from growing. It is also given to patients with thyroid cancer if the thyroid gland is surgically removed.
Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Endocrine Cancer Treatment
At NewYork-Presbyterian, we're always looking towards the future of oncologic care. We offer innovative treatment options for endocrine tumors and prepare a comprehensive treatment plan from the moment you are diagnosed.
If you have undergone genetic testing to assess your endocrine cancer risk, our team of genetic counselors will explain your results, work with you to create a schedule for annual screenings, and discuss your treatment options.