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Endocrine Tumor Care
Endocrine tumors are growths that develop in the hormone-producing glands of the endocrine system. At Henry Ford Health, we offer comprehensive, multispecialty care for all endocrine tumors, including adrenal tumors, thyroid and parathyroid tumors and pituitary tumors.
Learn more about the types of endocrine tumors we treat, the tests and treatments we offer and what makes our team a strong choice for endocrine tumor care.
Why choose Henry Ford Health for endocrine tumor care?
When you come to Henry Ford Health for endocrine tumor treatment, you get access to an entire team of experts. Our endocrinologists specialize in specific types of endocrine tumors, so you get targeted care for your diagnosis.
The Henry Ford Health difference:
- Collaborative care: Endocrinologists, oncologists, head and neck surgeons, radiologists and pathologists meet regularly in monthly tumor boards. We discuss our patients’ needs and treatment plans at these meetings. Our collaborative approach means you have a full team of specialists weighing in on the best care path for you.
- Advanced tests and treatments: We offer many tests and treatments that require specialized expertise and aren’t widely available. Examples include radiofrequency ablation for thyroid nodules, adrenal vein sampling, cortical-sparing adrenalectomy and thyroid biopsies with molecular testing. Our thyroid surgeons use advanced surgical techniques to treat the most complex tumors.
- Individualized approach: Our team prioritizes shared decision-making. That means that we partner with you, explaining all your care options, answering your questions and helping you choose the right approach for your needs and goals.
- Seamless care transitions: Some genetic conditions can lead to endocrine tumors that appear in childhood. As children get older, they need long-term follow-up with adult providers. Our team helps teens transition care smoothly, walking them through their treatment plan while allowing space for independent decision-making.
- Treatment for endocrine side effects: Some cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy, can cause side effects that impact your endocrine system. Our endocrinologists are experts in managing these side effects and complications to help you live your highest quality of life.
Collaborative care for endocrine tumors
Endocrine tumors are growths that may or may not be cancerous. Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment may involve collaboration with experts in other clinics and programs. We partner closely with specialists in:
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Endocrine tumor tests and treatments
At Henry Ford Health, you benefit from specialized tests and treatments for endocrine tumors. Some of the advanced options we provide include:
- Adrenal vein sampling: This test uses a long, flexible tube called a catheter to take blood samples from both adrenal glands. It helps us determine whether hormonal abnormalities are coming from one or both glands.
- Cortical-sparing adrenalectomy: This advanced surgery removes adrenal tumors while preserving healthy tissue. The goal is to lower your risk of needing long-term medications after surgery.
- Radiofrequency ablation: This nonsurgical procedure uses heat to shrink and destroy thyroid nodules. For many patients, radiofrequency ablation is an effective alternative to thyroid surgery that offers excellent results with no downtime.
- Thyroid biopsies with molecular testing: Thyroid biopsies involve taking a sample of a thyroid tumor to analyze under a microscope. We use molecular testing on these tissue samples, in certain cases, to obtain more information about the tumor’s function and growth. This approach helps us determine the right personalized treatment approach.
- Thyroid surgery: Our thyroid surgeons are experts in their field, performing hundreds of procedures each year. They use advanced techniques, including minimally invasive and robotic approaches.
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Endocrine tumors we treat
Our team treats all types of endocrine growths, whether cancerous or noncancerous. Some of the common conditions we treat include:
- Adrenal adenoma, a noncancerous tumor that develops on the adrenal glands
- Goiter, an enlarged thyroid
- Parathyroid adenoma, a noncancerous tumor that develops on the parathyroid gland and leads to high blood calcium
- Parathyroid carcinoma, a rare, slow-growing cancerous tumor on the parathyroid gland
- Pheochromocytoma, a rare, usually noncancerous adrenal tumor that leads to too much adrenaline
- Thyroid cancer, when cancerous cells develop and grow in the thyroid gland
- Thyroid nodules, solid or fluid-filled lumps on the thyroid, which are often noncancerous
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Endocrine tumor FAQs
What are the main types of endocrine tumors?
Endocrine tumors are growths that start in the hormone-producing glands of your endocrine system. The main types of endocrine tumors include thyroid tumors, adrenal tumors, pituitary tumors and parathyroid tumors.
Are endocrine tumors always cancer?
No, many endocrine tumors are noncancerous growths. However, they can still cause hormonal problems and other symptoms that require treatment.
What are the signs of endocrine tumors?
Endocrine tumors can cause many of the hormone-related symptoms that come with other types of endocrine disorders. Depending on the tumor type and location, you may have unexplained weight changes, fatigue, skin changes, heart palpitations or abdominal pain. Sometimes endocrine tumors cause a noticeable growth. For example, a thyroid tumor may cause a lump in your neck.
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Endocrine tumor care locationsWe have clinics across Michigan and offer virtual visits when appropriate.