Endocrine cancer
What is Endocrine cancer ?
Endocrine cancer refers to cancers that develop in the endocrine glands, which are responsible for producing hormones that regulate various bodily functions. Endocrine cancers can affect glands such as the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, and pituitary gland. Here’s an overview of the types of endocrine cancer and surgical solutions:
Types of Endocrine Cancer:
* Thyroid Cancer:
Thyroid cancer originates in the thyroid gland, which is located in the front of the neck and produces hormones that regulate metabolism. The main types of thyroid cancer include papillary carcinoma, follicular carcinoma, medullary carcinoma, and anaplastic carcinoma.
* Parathyroid Cancer:
Parathyroid cancer is a rare type of cancer that develops in the parathyroid glands, which are located behind the thyroid gland and regulate calcium levels in the body. Parathyroid cancer is extremely rare, accounting for less than 1% of all cases of hyperparathyroidism.
* Adrenal Cancer:
Adrenal cancer, also known as adrenal cortical carcinoma, originates in the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys and produce hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline. Adrenal cancer is rare and can be functional (producing hormones) or non-functional (not producing hormones).
* Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (PanNETs):
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) develop in the hormone-producing cells of the pancreas known as islet cells. These tumors can be functional, producing hormones such as insulin, glucagon, and gastrin, or non-functional.
* Pituitary Tumors:
Pituitary tumors develop in the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain and regulates hormone production by other endocrine glands. Pituitary tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and may cause hormonal imbalances.
Surgical Solutions for Endocrine Cancer:
* Thyroidectomy:
Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the thyroid gland in patients with thyroid cancer. The extent of thyroidectomy depends on factors such as the type, size, and stage of the cancer. In some cases, lymph node dissection may also be performed to remove affected lymph nodes in the neck.
* Parathyroidectomy:
Parathyroidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or more of the parathyroid glands in patients with parathyroid cancer or hyperparathyroidism. The goal of parathyroidectomy is to remove the diseased tissue while preserving normal parathyroid function and calcium regulation.
* Adrenalectomy:
Adrenalectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both of the adrenal glands in patients with adrenal cancer or adrenal tumors. The procedure may be performed using minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy or traditional open surgery, depending on the size and location of the tumor.
* Pancreatectomy:
Pancreatectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the pancreas in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs). The extent of pancreatectomy depends on factors such as the size, location, and spread of the tumor. In some cases, additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be recommended following surgery.
* Transsphenoidal Surgery:
Transsphenoidal surgery is a surgical approach used to remove pituitary tumors located within the pituitary gland. This minimally invasive procedure is performed through the nasal cavity and sphenoid sinus, allowing for access to the pituitary gland without the need for a craniotomy.
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