Endocrine TumorLast Updated: July 18, 2011 This section has been reviewed and approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 07/11 Overview
A tumor begins when normal cells in the body become abnormal and grow uncontrollably, forming a mass. A tumor can be benign or malignant. A benign tumor is not cancerous and usually can be removed without it causing much harm. A malignant tumor is cancerous, meaning it can spread to and damage the body’s healthy tissues if it is not found early and treated. About the endocrine system The endocrine system is made up of cells that make hormones. Hormones are chemical substances that are made in the body and carried in the bloodstream to have a specific regulatory effect on the activity of other organs or cells in the body. For example, a component of the pancreas is made up of specialized cells clustered together in islands within the organ, called islets of Langerhans. These cells make multiple hormones—the most important being insulin, which is a substance that helps control the amount of sugar in the blood. Part of the endocrine system is the neuroendocrine system, which is made up of cells that are a cross between traditional endocrine cells (or hormone-producing cells) and nerve cells. Neuroendocrine cells are found throughout the body in organs, such as the lungs and gastrointestinal tract, and perform specific functions, such as regulating the air and blood flow through the lungs and controlling the speed at which food is moved through the gastrointestinal tract. About endocrine tumors An endocrine tumor is a growth that affects the parts of the body that secrete hormones. Because an endocrine tumor starts in the cells that make hormones, the tumor itself can make hormones and cause serious illness. There are several types of endocrine tumors. For more specific information on each type, select a name below:
Find out more about basic terms used in this section. Statistics
Since there are different types of endocrine tumors (listed in the Overview), read the guide for each type of tumor for specific statistics regarding the number of people diagnosed and survival rates. Please note that these can vary widely and depend on many different factors, so it's important to talk with your doctor about statistics you find. Survival statistics should be interpreted with caution. Estimates are based on data from thousands of people with this type of tumor in the United States each year, but the actual risk for a particular individual may differ. It is not possible to tell a person how long he or she will live with an endocrine tumor. Because the survival statistics are often measured in five-year intervals, they may not represent advances made in the treatment or diagnosis of this tumor. Learn more about understanding statistics. Risk Factors
A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing a tumor. Although risk factors can influence the development of a tumor, most do not directly cause the disease. Some people with several risk factors never develop a tumor, while others with no known risk factors do. However, knowing your risk factors and talking about them with your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health care choices. The following factors can raise a person’s risk of developing specific types of endocrine tumors: Age. Pheochromocytoma is most common between age 40 and 60. Merkel cell cancer is most common in people older than 70. Thyroid cancer can occur at any age. Anaplastic thyroid cancer is usually diagnosed after age 60. Older infants (10 months and older) and adolescents can develop medullary thyroid cancer, especially if they carry the RET proto-oncogene mutation (see below). For a gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor, the average age at diagnosis is 55 to 65. For a carcinoid tumor of the appendix, the average age at diagnosis is about 40. For a lung carcinoid tumor, the average age at diagnosis is between 45 and 55. Children rarely develop a carcinoid tumor. Gender. Men are more likely to develop pheochromocytoma than women by a three to two ratio. Men are also more likely to develop Merkel cell cancer than women. Women are two to three times more likely to develop thyroid cancer than men. Race. A gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor is more common among black people than white people, and black men have a higher risk than black women. Among white people, men and women have the same risk. White people are most likely to develop Merkel cell cancer; however, some black people and Polynesians have developed this type of cancer. White people and Asian people are more likely to develop thyroid cancer. Family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1. Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 (MEN1) is a hereditary condition that increases the risk of developing a tumor of three glands: pituitary, parathyroid, and pancreas. It is estimated that approximately 10% of gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors are associated with MEN1. Other family history/genetics. Ten percent of pheochromocytomas are linked to hereditary causes. A history of parathyroid tumors in a family with MEN1 may raise a person’s risk of developing a parathyroid tumor. People with certain other hereditary conditions are at higher risk of developing adrenal gland tumors, including Li-Fraumeni syndrome and Carney Complex. Carney Complex can also raise the risk of a pituitary gland tumor. Meanwhile, some types of thyroid cancer are associated with genetics:
Learn more about the genetics of thyroid cancer. Immune suppression. People with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, and people whose immune systems are suppressed because of organ transplantation have a higher risk of developing a neuroendocrine tumor. Arsenic exposure. Exposure to the poison arsenic may increase the risk of Merkel cell cancer. Sun exposure. Because Merkel cell cancer often occurs on the sun-exposed areas of the head and neck, many doctors think that sun exposure may be a risk factor for developing the cancer. Learn more about protecting your skin from the sun. Radiation exposure. Exposure to moderate levels of radiation therapy may increase the risk of papillary thyroid cancer and follicular thyroid cancer. Such sources of exposure include the following:
Diet low in iodine. Iodine is needed for normal thyroid functioning. In the United States, iodine is added to salt to help prevent thyroid problems. Stomach conditions. People with diseases that damage the stomach and reduce acid production have a greater risk of developing a stomach carcinoid tumor. In particular, this includes pernicious anemia, a type of anemia characterized by very large, abnormal red blood cells. Symptoms and Signs
People with an endocrine tumor may experience the following symptoms or signs. Sometimes, people with an endocrine tumor do not show any of these symptoms. Or, these symptoms may be caused by a medical condition that is not a tumor. If you are concerned about a symptom or sign on this list, please talk with your doctor. Most symptoms of an endocrine tumor are specific to the type of tumor. For more information, see each individual tumor type. The following are some common symptoms of an endocrine tumor:
Your doctor will ask you questions about the symptoms you are experiencing to help find out the cause of the problem, called a diagnosis. This may include how long you’ve been experiencing the symptom(s) and how often. If an endocrine tumor is diagnosed, relieving symptoms and side effects remains an important part of your medical care and treatment. This may also be called symptom management, palliative care, or supportive care. Be sure to talk with your health care team about symptoms you experience, including any new symptoms or a change in symptoms. Diagnosis
Doctors use many tests to diagnose a tumor and find out if it is cancerous and, if so, if it has metastasized (spread). Some tests may also determine which treatments may be the most effective. For most types of tumors, a biopsy is the only way to make a definitive diagnosis of cancer. If a biopsy is not possible, the doctor may suggest other tests that will help make a diagnosis. Imaging tests may be used to find out whether the cancerous tumor has metastasized. Your doctor may consider these factors when choosing a diagnostic test:
In addition to a physical examination, the following tests may be used to diagnose an endocrine tumor: Biopsy. A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope. Other tests can suggest that cancer is present, but only a biopsy can make a definite diagnosis. The sample removed from the biopsy is examined by a pathologist (a doctor who specializes in interpreting laboratory tests and evaluating cells, tissues, and organs to diagnose disease). There are many types of biopsies. The type of biopsy performed will depend on the location of the tumor. Two of the more common types of biopsies used in the diagnosis of an endocrine tumor include fine needle aspiration and surgical biopsy.
Laboratory tests. The doctor may need samples of the patient’s blood, urine, and stool to check for abnormal levels of hormones, glucose levels, and other substances. Neurological examination. An evaluation of the central nervous system may include testing of the reflexes, motor and sensory skills, balance and coordination, and mental status. Imaging tests Bone scan. A bone scan uses a radioactive tracer to look at the inside of the bones. The tracer is injected into a patient’s vein. It collects in areas of the bone and is detected by a special camera. Healthy bone appears gray to the camera, and areas of injury, such as those caused by cancer, appear dark. Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan. A CT scan creates a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body with an x-ray machine. A computer then combines these images into a detailed, cross-sectional view that shows any abnormalities or tumors. Sometimes, a contrast medium (a special dye) is injected into a patient’s vein to provide better detail. Endoscopy. This test allows the doctor to see inside the body with a thin, lighted, flexible tube called an endoscope. The person may be sedated as the tube is inserted through the mouth, down the esophagus, and into the stomach and small bowel. A colonoscope is a type of endoscope that is inserted through the anus into the colon. It can be used to diagnose a tumor in the lower section of the digestive system. X-ray. An x-ray is a way to create a picture of the structures inside of your body, using a small amount of radiation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI uses magnetic fields, not x-rays, to produce detailed images of the body. A contrast medium may be injected into a patient’s vein to create a clearer picture. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan. A PET scan is a way to create pictures of organs and tissues inside the body. A small amount of a radioactive substance is injected into a patient’s body. This substance is absorbed mainly by organs and tissues that use the most energy. Because a tumor tends to use energy actively, it absorbs more of the radioactive substance. However, because some endocrine tumors grow very slowly, it means they use less energy; this means a PET scan may not be as helpful as other tests in the diagnosis. Radionuclide scanning (OctreoScan). A small amount of a radioactive hormone-like substance is injected into a vein. A special camera is then used to show where the radioactivity accumulates. This procedure is useful for finding where an endocrine tumor has spread, especially if it has spread to the liver. The test takes place over more than one day. Learn more about what to expect when having common tests, procedures, and scans. After these diagnostic tests are done, your doctor will review all of the results with you. If the diagnosis is an endocrine tumor, these results also help the doctor describe the tumor; this is called staging. Learn more about the first steps to take after a diagnosis of a tumor. Staging
Staging is a way of describing a cancerous tumor, such as where it is located, if or where it has spread, and whether it is affecting the functions of other organs in the body. Doctors use diagnostic tests to determine the cancer's stage, so staging may not be complete until all the tests are finished. Knowing the stage helps the doctor to decide what kind of treatment is best and can help predict a patient's prognosis (chance of recovery). There are different stage descriptions for different types of cancer. One tool that doctors use to describe the stage is the TNM system. This system judges three factors: the tumor itself, the lymph nodes around the tumor, and if the tumor has spread to the rest of the body. The results are combined to determine the stage of cancer for each person. There are five stages: stage 0 (zero) and stages I through IV (one through four). The stage provides a common way of describing the cancer so doctors can work together to plan the best treatments. TNM is an abbreviation for tumor (T), node (N), and metastasis (M). Doctors look at these three factors to determine the stage of cancer:
Tumor. Using the TNM system, the "T" plus a letter or number (0 to 4) is used to describe the size and location of the tumor. Some stages are also divided into smaller groups that help describe the tumor in even more detail. Node. The “N” in the TNM staging system stands for lymph nodes, the tiny, bean-shaped organs that help fight infection. Lymph nodes near the tumor are called regional lymph nodes. Lymph nodes in other parts of the body are called distant lymph nodes. Distant metastasis. The “M” in the TNM system indicates whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Doctors assign the stage of the cancer by combining the T, N, and M classifications. Recurrent tumor: A recurrent tumor is a tumor that comes back after treatment. If there is a recurrence, the tumor may need to be staged again (re-staging) using the system above. For more information on the staging of an endocrine tumor, see each individual tumor type. Treatment
This section outlines treatments that are the standard of care (the best proven treatments available) for this specific type of tumor. When making treatment plan decisions, patients are also encouraged to consider clinical trials as an option. A clinical trial is a research study to test a new treatment to evaluate whether it is safe, effective, and possibly better than standard treatment. Your doctor can help you review all treatment options. For more information, see the Clinical Trials and Current Research sections. Treatment overview Different types of doctors often work together to create a patient’s overall treatment plan that combines different types of treatments. This is called a multidisciplinary team. Descriptions of the most common treatment options for an endocrine tumor are listed below. For more information, please see the Treatment section for the specific tumor type that has been diagnosed. Treatment options and recommendations depend on several factors, including the type and stage of the tumor, if it is cancerous; possible side effects; and the patient’s preferences and overall health. Your doctor may also recommend genetic testing of your tumor to help plan treatment. Learn more about making treatment decisions. Surgery The purpose of surgery is typically to remove the entire tumor, along with some of the healthy tissue around it, called the margin. A surgical oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer using surgery. If the tumor cannot be removed entirely, “debulking” surgery may be performed. Debulking surgery is a procedure in which the goal is to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Side effects of surgery include weakness, fatigue, and pain for the first few days following the procedure. Learn more about surgery. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill tumor cells, usually by stopping the cells’ ability to grow and divide. Systemic chemotherapy is delivered through the bloodstream to reach tumor cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy is given by a medical oncologist, a doctor who specializes in treating tumors with medication. A chemotherapy regimen (schedule) usually consists of a specific number of cycles given over a set period of time. A patient may receive one drug at a time or combinations of different drugs at the same time. The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the individual and the dose used, but they can include fatigue, risk of infection, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. These side effects usually go away once treatment is finished. Learn more about chemotherapy and preparing for treatment. The medications used to treat tumors are continually being evaluated. Talking with your doctor is often the best way to learn about the medications prescribed for you, their purpose, and their potential side effects or interactions with other medications. Learn more about your prescriptions by using searchable drug databases. Radiation therapy Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy x-rays or other particles to kill tumor cells. A doctor who specializes in giving radiation therapy to treat a tumor is called a radiation oncologist. The most common type of radiation treatment is called external-beam radiation therapy, which is radiation given from a machine outside the body. When radiation treatment is given using implants, it is called internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy. A radiation therapy regimen usually consists of a specific number of treatments given over a set period of time. Side effects from radiation therapy may include fatigue, mild skin reactions, upset stomach, and loose bowel movements. Most side effects go away soon after treatment is finished. Learn more about radiation therapy. Hormone therapy The goal of hormone therapy is often to lower the levels of hormones in the body. Hormone therapy may be given to help stop the tumor from growing or to relieve symptoms caused by the tumor. In addition, for thyroid cancer, hormone therapy will be given if the thyroid gland has been removed, to replace the hormone that is needed by the body to function properly. Immunotherapy Immunotherapy (also called biologic therapy) is designed to boost the body's natural defenses to fight the tumor. It uses materials made either by the body or in a laboratory to bolster, target, or restore immune system function. Examples of immunotherapy include cancer vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and interferons. Alpha interferon is a form of biologic therapy given as an injection under the skin. This is sometimes used to help relieve symptoms caused by the tumor, but it can have severe side effects including fatigue, depression, and flu-like symptoms. Learn more about immunotherapy. Targeted therapy Targeted therapy is a treatment that targets the tumor’s specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival. This type of treatment blocks the growth and spread of tumor cells while limiting damage to normal cells, usually leading to fewer side effects than other cancer medications. Recent studies show that not all tumors have the same targets. To find the most effective treatment, your doctor may run tests to identify the genes, proteins, and other factors in your tumor. As a result, doctors can better match each patient with the most effective treatment whenever possible. In addition, many research studies are taking place now to find out more about specific molecular targets and new treatments directed at them. Depending on the type of endocrine tumor, targeted therapy may be a possible treatment option. For instance, targeted therapies, such as sunitinib (Sutent) and everolimus (Afinitor), have been approved for treating advanced islet cell tumors. Early results of clinical trials (research studies) with targeted therapy drugs for other types of endocrine tumors are promising, but more research is needed to prove they are effective. Learn more about these treatments in the Current Research section. Because research on targeted therapy is ongoing, please talk with your doctor to learn about targeted therapy treatment options. Learn more about targeted treatments. Recurrent endocrine tumor Once your treatment is complete and there is a remission (absence of symptoms; also called “no evidence of disease” or NED), talk with your doctor about the possibility of the tumor returning. Many survivors feel worried or anxious that the tumor will come back. Learn more about coping with this fear. If the tumor does return after the original treatment, it is called a recurrent tumor. It may come back in the same place (called a local recurrence), nearby (regional recurrence), or in another place (distant recurrence). When this occurs, a cycle of testing will begin again to learn as much as possible about the recurrence. After testing is done, you and your doctor will talk about your treatment options. Often the treatment plan will include the therapies described above (such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy) but may be used in a different combination or given at a different pace. Your doctor may also suggest clinical trials that are studying new ways to treat this type of recurrent cancer. People with a recurrent tumor often experience emotions such as disbelief or fear. Patients are encouraged to talk with their health care team about these feelings and ask about support services to help them cope. Learn more about dealing with recurrence. Metastatic endocrine tumor If a cancerous tumor has spread to another location in the body, it is called metastatic cancer. Patients with this diagnosis are encouraged to talk with doctors who are experienced in treating this stage of cancer, because there can be different opinions about the best treatment plan. Learn more about seeking a second opinion before starting treatment, so you are comfortable with the treatment plan chosen. This discussion may include clinical trials. Your health care team may recommend a treatment plan that includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy. In addition to treatment to slow, stop, or eliminate the cancer (also called disease-directed treatment), an important part of cancer care is relieving a person’s symptoms and side effects. It includes supporting the patient with his or her physical, emotional, and social needs, an approach called palliative or supportive care. People often receive disease-directed therapy and treatment to ease symptoms at the same time. If disease-directed treatment is not successful, this may also be called advanced cancer. This diagnosis is stressful, and it may be difficult to discuss. However, it is important to have open and honest conversations with your doctor and health care team to express your feelings, preferences, and concerns. The health care team is there to help, and many team members have special skills, experience, and knowledge to support patients and their families. Learn more about advanced cancer care planning. Find out more about common terms used during treatment. About Clinical Trials
Doctors and scientists are always looking for better ways to treat patients with an endocrine tumor. To make scientific advances, doctors create research studies involving people, called clinical trials. Many clinical trials are focused on new treatments, evaluating whether a new treatment is safe, effective, and possibly better than the current (standard) treatment. These types of studies evaluate new drugs, different combinations of existing treatments, new approaches to radiation therapy or surgery, and new methods of treatment. Patients who participate in clinical trials are often among the first to receive new treatments before they are widely available. However, there is no guarantee that the new treatment will be safe, effective, or better than a standard treatment. There are also clinical trials that study new ways to ease symptoms and side effects during treatment and manage the late effects that may occur after treatment. Talk with your doctor about clinical trials regarding side effects. In addition, there are ongoing studies about ways to prevent the disease. Patients decide to participate in clinical trials for many reasons. For some patients, a clinical trial is the best treatment option available. Because standard treatments are not perfect, patients are often willing to face the added uncertainty of a clinical trial in the hope of a better result. Other patients volunteer for clinical trials because they know that these studies are the only way to make progress in treating an endocrine tumor. Even if they do not benefit directly from the clinical trial, their participation may benefit future patients with an endocrine tumor. Sometimes people have concerns that, by participating in a clinical trial, they may receive no treatment by being given a placebo or a “sugar pill.” The use of placebos in cancer clinical trials is rare. When a placebo is used in a study, it is done with the full knowledge of the participants. Find out more about placebos in cancer clinical trials. To join a clinical trial, patients must participate in a process known as informed consent. During informed consent, the doctor should list all of the patient’s options so that the person understands how the new treatment differs from the standard treatment. The doctor must also list all of the risks of the new treatment, which may or may not be different from the risks of standard treatment. Finally, the doctor must explain what will be required of each patient in order to participate in the clinical trial, including the number of doctor visits, tests, and the schedule of treatment. Learn more about clinical trials, including patient safety, phases of a clinical trial, deciding to participate in a clinical trial, questions to ask the research team, and links to find clinical trials. For specific topics being studied for an endocrine tumor, learn more in the Current Research section. Patients who participate in a clinical trial may stop participating at any time for any personal or medical reason. This may include that the new treatment is not working or there are serious side effects. It is important that patients participating in a clinical trial talk with their doctor and researchers about who will be providing their treatment and care during the clinical trial, after the clinical trials ends, and/or if the patient chooses to leave the clinical trial before it ends. Side Effects
A tumor and its treatment can cause a variety of side effects. However, doctors have made major strides in recent years in reducing pain, nausea and vomiting, and other physical side effects of treatments. Many treatments used today are less intensive but as effective as treatments used in the past. Doctors also have many ways to provide relief to patients when such side effects occur. Fear of treatment side effects is common after a diagnosis of a tumor, but it may be helpful to know that preventing and controlling side effects is a major focus of your health care team. Before treatment begins, talk with your doctor about possible side effects of the specific treatments you will be receiving. The specific side effects that can occur depend on a variety of factors, including the type of tumor, its location, the individual treatment plan (including the length and dosage of treatment), and your overall health. Common side effects for each treatment option are described in detail within the Treatment section. Ask your doctor which side effects are most likely to happen (and which are not), when side effects are likely to occur, and how they will be addressed by the health care team. Also, be sure to communicate with the doctor about side effects you experience during and after treatment. Care of a patient’s symptoms and side effects is an important part of a person’s overall treatment plan; this is called palliative or supportive care. It helps people with an endocrine tumor at any stage of illness be as comfortable as possible. Learn more about the most common side effects of cancer and different treatments, along with ways to prevent or control them. Be sure to talk with your doctor about the level of caregiving you may need during treatment and recovery, as family members and friends often play an important role in the care of a person with an endocrine tumor. Learn more about caregiving. In addition to physical side effects, there may be psychosocial (emotional and social) effects as well. For many patients, a diagnosis of an endocrine tumor is stressful and can bring difficult emotions. Patients and their families are encouraged to share their feelings with a member of their health care team who can help with coping strategies. Learn more about the importance of addressing such needs, including concerns about managing the cost of your medical care. A side effect that occurs more than five years after treatment is called a late effect. Treatment of late effects is an important part of survivorship care. Learn more about late effects or long-term side effects by reading the After Treatment section or talking with your doctor.After Treatment
After treatment for an endocrine tumor ends, talk with your doctor about developing a follow-up care plan. Although there are no specific guidelines on follow-up care for an endocrine tumor, this plan may include regular physical examinations, blood tests, and/or a CT scan about three months after surgery. Follow-up care thereafter should include a physical examination and blood tests approximately every six to 12 months, with additional imaging studies (such as x-rays) to be performed on an as-needed basis. It is important to talk with your doctor about any new symptoms you experience. ASCO offers treatment summary forms to help keep track of the treatment you received and develop a survivorship care plan once treatment is completed. People recovering from the successful treatment of an endocrine tumor are encouraged to follow established guidelines for good health, such as maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, eating a balanced diet, and having recommended cancer screening tests. Talk with your doctor to develop a plan that is best for your needs. Moderate physical activity can help you rebuild your strength and energy level. Your doctor can help you create an appropriate exercise plan based upon your needs, physical abilities, and fitness level. Learn more about the next steps to take in survivorship, including making positive lifestyle changes. Find out more about common terms used after treatment is complete. Current Research
Doctors are working to learn more about endocrine tumors, ways to prevent them, how to best treat them, and how to provide the best care to people diagnosed with this disease. The following areas of research may include new options for patients through clinical trials. Always talk with your doctor about the diagnostic and treatment options best for you. Also, be sure to read the Current Research section of the specific endocrine tumor type that has been diagnosed. Combination chemotherapy and surgery. The combination of the drugs oxaliplatin (Eloxatin) and irinotecan (Camptosar) along with surgery is being studied to treat endocrine tumors. Targeted therapy. Targeted therapy is being researched as a treatment option for several types of endocrine tumors, including neuroendocrine tumors and thyroid cancer. The focus of targeted therapy is to stop the growth and spread of a tumor in several different ways. Some of the drugs being studied for endocrine tumors include:
Genetic and molecular testing. The genetic testing and the refinement of RET oncogenes (see Risk Factors) is an ongoing area of active research that will improve selection of treatment and give more precise prognosis. Researchers are also looking at using the molecular biology (the study of the structure and function of cells at the molecular level) of the tumor to help diagnose endocrine tumors and predict how well treatment will work. Supportive care. Clinical trials are underway to find better ways of reducing symptoms and side effects of current endocrine tumor treatments in order to improve patients’ comfort and quality of life. Learn more about common statistical terms used in medical research. To find clinical trials specific to your diagnosis, talk with your doctor or search online clinical trial databases now. Questions to Ask the Doctor
Talking often with the doctor is important to make informed decisions about your health care. These suggested questions are a starting point to help you learn more about your medical care and treatment. You are also encouraged to ask additional questions that are important to you. General questions:
For people who need surgery:
For people who need chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or hormone therapy:
For people who need radiation therapy:
After treatment:
Patient Information Resources
In addition to Cancer.Net, there are other sources of information about this type of tumor available online. Cancer.Net maintains a list of national, not-for-profit organizations that may be helpful in finding additional information, services, and support. As always, be sure to talk with your doctor about questions you may have about information you find about this disease. View organizations that offer information on different types of endocrine tumors. |
