Endocrine tumours
What are endocrine tumours?
The endocrine system is made up of glands. Endocrine glands produce hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers that help control how organs and tissues in the body work.
Endocrine tumours are usually non-cancerous (benign). But some are cancerous (malignant).
The endocrine glands include the:
- adrenal glands – glands that sit on top of each kidney.
- pancreas – an organ behind the stomach which is part of the digestive system but also part of the endocrine system.
- parathyroid glands – glands which are just behind the thyroid gland
- pituitary gland – a small, oval-shaped gland at the base of the brain
- thyroid gland – a gland in the front of the neck.
Related pages
How are endocrine tumours classified?
Endocrine tumours are classified according to the:
- endocrine glands that the cancer starts in
- type of cell
- part of the body that is affected.
We have information on the following types of endocrine tumours:
- multiple endocrine neoplasia 1 (MEN1) and multiple endocrine neoplasia 2 (MEN2) – rare inherited genetic conditions that may cause tumours in endocrine glands
- pancreatic cancer
- parathyroid cancer
- pituitary gland tumours
- thyroid cancer.
For information about adrenocortical cancer, visit the Adrenocortical Cancer Support and Information website.
About our information
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer.
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our thyroid cancer information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at
informationproductionteam@macmillan.org.uk
National Institute for Health and Care Excellent (NICE). [NG230]. Thyroid cancer: assessment and management. Published: 19 December 2022. Available from: www.nice.org.uk/guidance
Datta, R. British Medical Journal Best Practice Guidelines, Thyroid cancer. 2023. British Medical Journal. Available from: www.bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/263
European Society Medical Oncology (ESMO): Thyroid cancer, Clinical Practice Guidelines for Diagnosis, Treatment and Follow-up. 2019. Available from: www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(20)32555-2/fulltext
Date reviewed
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