Endocrine neoplasia

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Endocrine Neoplasia refers to a group of conditions that involve the abnormal growth of cells within the endocrine glands. The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce and release hormones that help control many important body functions. When neoplasia occurs in these glands, it can lead to an overproduction or underproduction of hormones, leading to various health issues. Endocrine neoplasias can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Types of Endocrine Neoplasia[edit | edit source]

There are several types of endocrine neoplasia, each affecting different glands within the endocrine system. Some of the most common include:

  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1) - A hereditary condition that typically involves tumors in the parathyroid glands, the pancreas, and the pituitary gland.
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2 (MEN2) - Another hereditary condition, which often involves medullary thyroid cancer, pheochromocytoma (a type of tumor of the adrenal gland), and hyperparathyroidism.
  • Pituitary Tumors - These can affect the pituitary gland, leading to the overproduction or underproduction of pituitary hormones.
  • Thyroid Cancer - Includes different types, such as papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancer.
  • Adrenal Tumors - These can be benign, like adenomas, or malignant, like adrenocortical carcinoma. They can affect hormone levels and cause conditions like Cushing's syndrome or Conn's syndrome.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of endocrine neoplasia vary widely depending on the specific type and the hormones involved. Common symptoms may include:

  • Unexplained weight loss or gain
  • Fatigue
  • Mood changes
  • Abnormal menstruation
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Osteoporosis

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of endocrine neoplasia typically involves a combination of:

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for endocrine neoplasia depends on the type, size, and location of the tumor, as well as whether it is benign or malignant. Options may include:

  • Surgery to remove the tumor
  • Hormone Therapy to address hormone imbalances
  • Radiation Therapy or Chemotherapy for certain types of cancer
  • Targeted Therapy for tumors with specific genetic mutations

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for individuals with endocrine neoplasia varies greatly depending on the type of neoplasia, its stage at diagnosis, and the overall health of the individual. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes for many patients.


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD