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Neuroendocrine + Endocrine Neoplasia

The endocrine system is made of nerves and gland cells that make and send hormones throughout the body. Neuroendocrine and endocrine neoplasia occurs when those cells grow out of control and can lead to rare conditions, including the full range of hypothalamic, pituitary, adrenal and islet cell tumors.

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Neuroendocrine 101: How cells become tumors

Let’s break down what it means when we talk about neuroendocrine cells:

  • “Neuro” refers to how your body receives signals from your nervous system.
  • “Endocrine” ties back to your endocrine system, which creates your hormones.

Your endocrine system is made of glands and organs that keep our bodies functioning normally, like our growth and development, metabolism and even emotions. While rare, neuroendocrine cells can develop neoplasia (new, abnormal tissue growth or tumors). These tumors can have a ripple effect on other conditions.

You can feel confident knowing our team has earned a national reputation for treating these tumors thanks to our duo of clinical care and pioneering research.

Anastassios Pittas, MD, MS, endocrinologist and Co-Director of the Diabetes Center at Tufts Medical Center consults with patient in clinic appointment.
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Conditions

Because endocrine neoplasia can affect other aspects of health, our endocrinologists work closely with our friends in ophthalmology, oncology, surgery, anesthesiology and pathology to treat:

Acromegaly
Adrenocortical carcinoma
Aldosteronoma
Carcinoid tumors
Cortisol-secreting adenomas
Craniopharyngiomas
Cushing's disease
Hypothalamic tumors
Inflammatory disease of the pituitary gland
Islet cell tumors
MEN-1 syndrome
MEN-2 syndrome
Paragangliomas
Pheochromocytomas
Pituitary adenomas
Prolactinoma
Suprasellar masses
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Testing

Diagnosing pituitary and adrenal gland tumors is complex because the symptoms are often similar to common ailments.

Our doctors and nurses are skilled at determining which of the dozens of diagnostic tests available are best for you. After giving you a precise diagnosis, we use specialized testing to find out where your tumor is and develop a plan for its treatment.

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Treatments

Whether you're being monitored or receiving active treatment, we're always here for you. Your treatment plan depends on the type of tumor you have, how quickly it's growing and your overall health. Our doctors may recommend:

  • Medical therapy
  • Routine monitoring of the tumor
  • Surgery

Should you require surgery, you can benefit from minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures with a quicker recovery time than traditional, open surgery.

As you move through treatment, our doctors will determine whether your tumors are from an inherited disease. If our doctors pinpoint that your condition is genetic, we can extend care to your family, too. This could include genetic counseling, testing and treatment.

Anasuya Gunturi MD, PhD talks with patient at Lowell General Hospital's Women's Wellness Center clinic appointment.
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Family physician Sarwada Tuladhar Jha, MD talking to patient during exam at a clinic appointment and inputting health information at the computer.
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