Endocrine Cancer

• Tumors can occur in any of the major endocrine glands, including the thyroid, parathyroid, pituitary and adrenal glands, and the pancreas.

• Thyroid gland: About 90 percent of all endocrine cancers develop in the thyroid gland (a butterfly-shaped organ in the lower neck).

• Pituitary gland: A pea-sized organ attached to the brain, the pituitary gland produces hormones that influence growth and fertility.

• Adrenal gland: The two adrenal glands, which reside just above the kidneys, produce hormones that regulate metabolism (cortisol), the stress response (adrenaline), blood pressure (aldosteroneer) and certain sexual characteristics (androgens).

• Pancreas: Though the pancreas plays an active role in the digestive system, it’s also the source of important hormones, including insulin. Rare tumors can produce too much insulin or other related hormones, which can impact blood sugar levels.