Of What is it ?
The endocrine system is made up of glands that produce hormones (the thyroid, adrenal glands, for example). Endocrine tumors are masses that grow from the cells of these glands and can appear anywhere in the body. They can grow in the gland itself (primary tumor), but cells from the tumor can also break off and travel with the blood to lodge elsewhere in the body. This is called metastasis. When the tumor produces hormones, it is said to be “functional”. If this is not the case, the tumor is said to be “non-functional”. There are three types: neuroendocrine tumors, adrenal gland tumors and multiple endocrine tumors.
What is their frequency?
Endocrine tumors are rare. Neuroendocrine tumors of the gastrointestinal system occur in 8.4 in 100,000 people and in the pancreas in 1 in 100,000. One in 1,000 people with high blood pressure have a tumor of the adrenal glands. Multiple endocrine tumors are inherited and therefore almost always develop in certain families.
How to recognize them?
Neuroendocrine tumors lodge in the gastrointestinal system or pancreas. Symptoms can be local or generalized. Local symptoms include, for example, stomach ache, bleeding into the tumor with sweating and paleness, constipation, etc. General symptoms come from hormones produced by the tumor and depend on the type of hormone. They can include: diarrhea, flushing, shortness of breath, sweating, heart problems, feeling hungry, impaired consciousness, seizures, heartburn, weight loss, change in blood sugar (blood sugar) levels, etc.
Tumors of the adrenal glands can lead to high blood pressure, osteoporosis, increased blood sugar, problems with sodium concentration in the blood, etc. These complaints may be accompanied by headaches, bone pain, sweating, altered consciousness, feeling thirsty, and urinating frequently.
Multiple endocrine tumors settle in several glands simultaneously, for example in the thyroid, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, and glands of the gastrointestinal system. The symptoms are associated with all the organs involved.
How is the diagnosis made?
Diagnosis is based on specialized blood and urine tests as well as a CT scan and MRI exam (also called an NMR).
What can your doctor do?
It is usually best to remove tumors surgically. If metastases are present, the possibility of chemotherapy and / or radiotherapy should be considered. It is recommended to carry out the treatments in a specialized center.
Want to know more?
- The scanner, here, Where to find on this page of Cliniques St Luc UCL
- MRI, here, Where to find on this page of Cliniques St Luc UCL
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