Endocrine Tumor Program
Part of Cancer Center
Leaders in Endocrine Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment
The Endocrine Tumors program treats endocrine cancers and benign (non-cancerous) endocrine tumors of the thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands, pancreas and intestine.
We offer one of the nation's most comprehensive centers focused exclusively on the treatment of endocrine tumors.
What We Offer You for Endocrine Tumor Care
- Specialized expertise in all types of endocrine tumors, with doctors who innovate through advanced treatments, clinical research, and national leadership. Go to Conditions Treated
- Advanced treatment for common to complex conditions, including open and minimally invasive surgery and genetic counseling to guide your care. Go to Treatments
- Clinical trials offering eligible patients access to new therapies and procedures that are not yet widely available. Go to Clinical Trials
- Team-based approach to diagnosis and treatment, in which our endocrine experts partner with you to create your custom care plan. Go to Your Care Team
- Comprehensive support services, such as educational workshops and survivorship clinics, to give you and your family peace of mind throughout your treatment. Go to Support Services
- Easy access and coordinated care to quickly connect you with the best specialists for your needs, whether you are just starting care or seeking a second opinion. Go to Accessing Care
The endocrine system is made up of specialized glands and cells that produce chemical messengers (hormones) that control cell and organ function. Endocrine tumors involve specific cells found only in this system.
Endocrine tumors may arise in the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal gland, pancreas, or intestine and can present a range of treatment challenges. They can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and can affect your body’s hormone production. Some of these tumors may be slow-growing, and others may behave more aggressively. Some cause symptoms by producing hormones, while others cause symptoms through growth or spread to distant parts of the body.
Despite this complexity, endocrine tumors all share important underlying traits, because they are all part of the body’s hormone-regulating system.
Our unique clinic—dedicated exclusively to treating these tumors—brings together specialists in endocrinology, endocrine surgery, medical oncology, nuclear medicine, and other fields. As a team, we provide customized treatment planning and care for your individual needs.
We use advanced diagnostic techniques to identify and understand your condition. Our precise laboratory workups, surgery, and genetic testing pinpoint the best course of action.
Did you know?
Endocrine cancers are diagnosed in more than 35,000 people in the U.S. each year. The majority are thyroid cancers, which affect three times as many women as men.
Thyroid Disease
A butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck, the thyroid is the body's master metabolic control center. It helps regulate heart rate, weight, energy levels, body temperature, growth, and muscle strength.
We partner closely with our Endocrinology Clinic to provide the right care for your needs, including comprehensive medical and surgical care for thyroid tumors and management of hormone imbalances.
Benign thyroid disease
Thyroid nodules are common, and 95% are benign (noncancerous).
- Thyroid nodules
- Multinodular goiter
- Hyperthyroidism, including Graves’ disease
- Papillary thyroid carcinoma
- Follicular thyroid carcinoma
- Hurthle cell carcinoma
- Medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Poorly differentiated and anaplastic carcinoma
- Thyroid lymphoma
Adrenal Tumors
The adrenal glands are small glands located above the kidneys. They produce hormones that help the body react to stressors and control blood sugar and blood pressure.
Adrenal tumors can be challenging to identify and treat. Through our expertise, we assess tumors accurately to ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment.
Should you need surgery, we have extensive experience in minimally invasive and open procedures. We provide genetic counseling to find the cause and help guide your next steps. We also partner with our Hypertension Center for diagnosis and treatment of adrenal tumors that affect the blood pressure.
- Adrenocortical carcinoma
- Aldosterone-producing adrenal tumor
- Pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma
- Cortisol-producing adrenal tumor (Cushing’s syndrome)
- Incidentally discovered adrenal tumor (adrenal incidentaloma)
- Metastatic tumor to the adrenal gland
Parathyroid Disease
The four parathyroid glands are located near the thyroid gland, in the central part of the neck. Parathyroid tumors are nearly always benign (noncancerous). Because these glands control the body’s calcium levels, parathyroid tumors may cause osteoporosis (reduced bone mass), kidney stones, and other serious complications.
Doctors around the U.S. refer patients with parathyroid disorders to us. They rely on our leading expertise in diagnosis, surgical planning, and minimally invasive techniques. We partner with our Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Diseases Clinic to manage bone complications associated with parathyroid disease.
Hyperparathyroidism and parathyroid disorders:
- Primary Hyperparathyroidism
- Secondary and tertiary (renal) hyperparathyroidism
- Genetic syndromes associated with hyperparathyroidism (MEN1 and 2)
- Parathyroid cancer
- Persistent or recurrent hyperparathyroidism
Neuroendocrine Tumors
Neuroendocrine cells are specialized cells that release hormones into the blood in response to signals from the nervous system. Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are uncommon and often slow-growing.
Our established program has extensive expertise in managing NETs of the pancreas and GI tract both at initial diagnosis and through ongoing follow-up. We partner closely with you to offer a personalized care plan for your long-term health.
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
- Gastrinoma
- Glucagonoma
- Insulinoma
- VIPoma
- Hormonally inactive tumors
- Small intestine neuroendocrine tumors
- Neuroendocrine tumors of unknown primary site
Our partner clinics care for people with NETs elsewhere in the body:
- Thoracic Cancer Program manages neuroendocrine lung cancer.
- Skin Cancer Program treats Merkel cell carcinoma.
- Brain Tumor Center cares for patients with pituitary tumors.
Stanford doctors are internationally recognized experts in endocrine conditions, from common tumors to rare and difficult-to-diagnose endocrine cancer.
We combine our high level of diagnostic and treatment expertise with advanced imaging technologies and lab workups to pinpoint the most appropriate therapies for you. When surgery is the best option, our surgeons are nationally recognized for their expertise in both open and precise minimally invasive procedures.
INNOVATION HIGHLIGHT
Our doctors study endocrine tumors to identify new ways to predict tumor development and treat existing tumors. They recently discovered new pheochromocytoma genetic syndromes, which may reveal new ways to diagnose and treat these tumors more precisely.
Treatments by Condition
We create an individualized treatment plan for you, based on your precise needs. We’ll plan your care based on biopsy results, genetic testing, your desires, and your symptoms. At weekly Tumor Board meetings, experts from multiple disciplines review cases that require more complex recommendations.
Every care path starts with a thorough assessment to understand a tumor’s precise anatomy and function. We use advanced tests to find the cause and identify treatment that will be most effective for you.
We perform surgery for:
All Treatments
When it comes to care for endocrine tumors, you’ll benefit from our extensive expertise in the latest treatment options. While surgery is often a first treatment, some conditions require different care. Your care plan will be customized to your needs and may include one or a combination of the following treatments:
Surgery for endocrine disorders and tumors
Our surgeons have advanced training in the care of benign and cancerous tumors and are nationally recognized for their expertise. They offer extensive experience in complex operations and minimally invasive procedures, which minimize scarring and pain.
- Surgery for thyroid tumors
- Surgery for adrenal tumors
- Surgery for hyperparathyroidism and parathyroid tumors
- Surgery for gastrointestinal and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NET)
Radioactive iodine
Because the thyroid gland absorbs iodine, radioactive iodine can treat thyroid conditions with only a minor effect on the rest of your body. It can destroy all or part of the thyroid gland, as with hyperthyroidism. It also may be used to treat papillary or follicular thyroid cancer and some other tumors.
Active surveillance
For slow-growing, small, noncancerous tumors or low-grade cancers, we may recommend active surveillance (watching the tumor but not yet treating it).
Additional Treatments
As part of the Stanford Cancer Center, the Endocrine Tumor Program offers comprehensive cancer care—including the latest medical therapies, radiation techniques, and cancer genetics. Our experts will work with you to design the best care plan for your needs and lifestyle.
Medical therapy
In medical therapy, you take medications by mouth, through a vein by IV (intravenous) infusion, or by injection. These medications travel through your body to attack cancer cells. We offer:
Genomic tumor profiling
Our dedicated cancer genetics doctors test tumor cells to identify a tumor’s particular genetic fingerprint. These results help us predict which treatments will be most effective for a given tumor and identify novel targeted therapies.
- External beam radiation
- 3D conformal radiation therapy
- Intensity-modulated radiation therapy
- Stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR/SBRT)
Treatment for NET metastasis to liver
Sometimes, neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) metastasize, or spread, to the liver. We offer specific treatments to kill tumor cells directly or block blood flow to the tumor, including:
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Hepatic artery embolization
Genetic Counseling
Many people who develop endocrine tumors have inherited genetic syndromes. Our dedicated cancer geneticists have special training in the genetics of endocrine tumors and in the best ways to help you assess your family’s risk. Test results can guide treatment, identify affected family members, and help with family planning.
We frequently treat multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN1 and MEN2), syndromes of multiple endocrine tumors that are passed down in families. Our services help evaluate for the following genetic syndromes:
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1)
This genetic disorder is associated with a lifetime risk for:
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2 (MEN2)
This genetic disorder can lead to:
- Medullary thyroid carcinoma and its precursor, C-cell hyperplasia
- Pheochromocytoma (PHEO)
Other syndromes associated with endocrine disease
- Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome
- Lynch syndrome
Clinical Trials
As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may be eligible to participate in open clinical trials. Open trials refer to studies that are currently recruiting participants or that may recruit participants in the near future. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but similar studies may open in the future.
Your Care Team
Your care team will be customized to your needs and the type of endocrine tumor you have. You may receive care from an endocrinologist and a specialized surgeon. Or a medical oncologist may oversee your care. We will coordinate your care among the most appropriate providers from these specialties:
Your Doctors
Endocrine Surgeon
Endocrine surgeons have advanced training in the care of benign and cancerous endocrine tumors. They treat a range of disorders impacting the body’s endocrine system through open and minimally invasive surgery of the adrenal, thyroid, and parathyroid glands as well as neuroendocrine cells.
View All {0} Endocrine Surgeons »Endocrinologist
These internal medicine physicians specialize in the endocrine system. They may replace the thyroid hormone for people who have had a thyroidectomy (thyroid removal), prepare you to receive radioactive iodine to treat thyroid tumors, and monitor for cancer recurrence.
View All {0} Endocrinologists »Interventional Radiologist
Interventional radiologists use imaging to provide minimally invasive treatments as an alternative to open or laparoscopic surgery. Using fine catheters and wires, they can ablate (destroy) tumor tissues, including metastatic endocrine tumors that spread to the liver.
View All {0} Interventional Radiologists »Medical Oncologist
These cancer doctors have specialized training in diagnosing endocrine tumors. They also treat cancer using medications, including chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and biologic therapy (targeted therapy and immunotherapy). Medical oncologists often serve as your main health care provider, coordinating your treatment among several specialists.
View All {0} Medical Oncologists »Nuclear Medicine Physician
These specially trained physicians use radioactive materials to diagnose and treat disease. They select the most appropriate technique to treat cancerous or noncancerous thyroid tumors, blood cancer, or cancer that has spread (metastases), while avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure.
View All {0} Radiologists »Pathologist
These doctors have special training in examining tissue samples to detect or rule out cancer. For cancerous endocrine tumors, pathologists work closely with oncologists to determine the type and stage of cancer. Pathologists with expertise at looking at thyroid cells under a microscope, called thyroid cytopathologists, can determine whether a thyroid nodule is cancerous or noncancerous.
View All {0} Pathologists »Radiation Oncologist
These cancer specialists have subspecialty training in using high-energy X-rays and other radiation therapy to destroy or prevent the spread of cancer. Our radiation oncologists use advanced technologies to target cancer cells precisely, to avoid damaging nearby healthy tissue.
View All {0} Radiation Oncologists »Radiologist
These specialists perform and read imaging tests, including X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI, to detect tumors and diagnose cancer. Radiologists interpret imaging results and take biopsies, as needed, to help confirm a diagnosis.
View All {0} Radiologists »Surgical Oncologist
These surgeons specialize in treating cancer through traditional (open) and minimally invasive surgery. Surgical oncologists perform biopsies (taking tiny tissue samples) to test for cancer. They also surgically remove tumors and surrounding tissue.
View All {0} Surgical Oncologists »Head And Neck Surgical Oncologist
Head and Neck Surgical Oncologists have specialized expertise treating tumors that affect key functions of the head and neck, such as breathing, sight, speech, and swallowing. Our surgeons specialize in minimally invasive surgeries including skull base surgery and TORs (transoral robotic surgery).
View All {0} Head And Neck Surgical Oncologists »Clinical Partnerships
So that you receive the right care from an integrated group of providers, our Endocrine Tumor Program has close clinical partnerships with Stanford’s:
Stanford is an Academic Medical Center, which is a type of hospital setting where doctors teach the entire spectrum of medical education. Students range from beginning medical students to fully licensed and practicing doctors completing advanced sub-specialty training. Stanford Medicine is a partnership between Stanford University School of Medicine and Stanford Health Care. Since Stanford is a teaching hospital, you can expect to meet many providers and providers in training.
- Attending Physician: a doctor who supervises doctors in training or in medical school
- Fellow: a doctor doing postgraduate level work and specializing in care of patients with specific conditions
- Resident: a doctor who has graduated from medical school and is in training (also called “residency”) here at Stanford. A resident is also called an intern
- Medical Student: a student who is currently enrolled in medical school with the goal of becoming a doctor
Extended Care Team
Our oncology-certified health care provider works with your oncologist to help with diagnosis and treatment. APPs may recommend medications, lifestyle changes, and services such as genetic counseling. An APP can be a nurse practitioner (NP), physician assistant (PA), or clinical nurse specialist (CNS).
ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDERS
Our genetic experts can help you and your family understand any inherited risk for endocrine tumors or other cancer. They explain and provide available genetic tests. They can also discuss prevention, screening, and treatment options.
Our radiation therapists deliver radiation according to the plan developed by your radiation oncologist and other team members.
Our medical physicists monitor and calibrate our treatment equipment and oversee the quality of the treatments that are delivered.
These registered nurses provide one-on-one support throughout your care journey. They help you navigate from your first contact with us to follow-up care, assessing your needs, answering your questions, making referrals, coordinating appointments, and providing education.
Care coordinators provide you with information and assistance before and during your appointments.
- Medical Assistants take you to your exam room after you check in for your appointments. They check your vital signs before your doctor sees you.
- New Patient Coordinators contact you before your first appointment and help you prepare by providing the information you need to know and bring with you.
- Patient Access Representatives greet you at the front desk and register you for your appointments.
- ITA Schedulers schedule your appointments if you have apheresis (a specific type of blood transfusion) or chemotherapy.
- Surgery Schedulers call you to arrange the details for meeting with a surgical oncologist or reconstruction surgeon or for having surgery.
Many people with complex parathyroid tumors will experience osteoporosis (bones becoming brittle). Specialists from our Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Diseases Clinic can help manage this side effect of hyperparathyroidism to protect your bone health.
Nutritionists work with you to establish an eating plan that meets your nutritional needs and takes into account the challenges of living with an endocrine tumor. They are an important part of the long-term care plan to help people with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) manage the condition.
After thyroid surgery, some people have difficulty with their voice and swallowing. Speech pathologists use their training to help restore pre-operative vocal and speech abilities.
These specially trained physical therapists support people who have undergone thyroid surgery. They work with people to relieve vocal cord problems, anxiety, and strain related to treatment or resulting scar tissue.
If you qualify for a clinical trial, our research coordinators guide you through the process. They educate you about what to expect during the study, answer your questions, and schedule your appointments.
Support Services
As part of your care, we design a personalized wellness plan to support your comfort before, during, and after treatment, and to help your family cope with the effects of having a loved one in cancer treatment.
With just one call to PathWell, you and your loved ones can speak with a specially trained nurse who can help assess your needs and connect you to the support services that are right for you. Contact PathWell for your personal support plan.
Medical support
- Cancer Survivorship
- Integrative Medicine
- Fertility Preservation
- Nutrition Services
- Palliative Medicine
Mind and body support
- Interpreter Services
- Psycho-Oncology: Psychiatrists and Psychologists
- Sleep Clinic
- Spiritual Care
- Stanford Health Library
- Support Groups, Classes, and Workshops
- Wigs and Cosmetic Support
Social and financial support
- Case Managers and Social Workers
- Financial Counseling
Our clinics at Stanford Cancer Center South Bay and Cancer Center Palo Alto are designed for your convenience. With streamlined check-in, same-day appointments to see multiple specialists, and comprehensive medical and support services under one roof, you have easy access to care. If you're traveling to our facilities, our case managers can assist you with travel, housing, and other logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
We participate in a wide range of insurance plans. View the list of insurance plans accepted by Stanford Health Care »
Have insurance or pre-authorization questions? The Patient Financial Clearance team is available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., to answer your questions. Please call 650-724-4445 or 1-877-291-7335 (toll free).
When choosing a doctor, it’s important to consider the doctor’s clinical training, experience and expertise in a specialized area that matches your health care needs.
You can find the right Stanford doctor for you by using our doctor directory and filtering the results based on a medical category, specialty, or doctor’s last name. View our list of our Endocrine Tumor doctors »
At Stanford, we take care of the details so that you can focus on your health and wellness. Our doctors work as a team with device nurses, advanced practice providers, registered dietitians, and imaging technologists to coordinate every aspect of your care. We also offer a wide range of support services to promote healing and improve your quality of life. Learn more about our support services »
Yes, Stanford Health Care offers financial assistance for patients who are uninsured or underinsured. Meet with one of our financial counselors to find the best approach to paying for your health care. Financial counselors are available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Learn more about financial assistance services »
Managing treatment for endocrine tumors is a highly personalized process. Our care team guides you every step of the way, including:
- What to expect and what to bring on the day of your appointment
- Maps, directions, parking, public transit options, and contact information
- Suggested questions to ask your doctor
For your first appointment, you should plan to bring any related test results and your medical history to share with your doctor. Our clinic receptionists will confirm the information you should bring with you prior to your first appointment.
You will also need to have the following information with you when you check in:
- Insurance card
- A form of payment for any co-pays or deductibles
- One form of photo ID:
- Valid state-issued driver’s license
- Valid state-issued ID card
- Valid passport
- Valid U.S. Military ID card
- Valid U.S. Permanent Resident Card
The Endocrine Tumor Program is located at the following address. Valet and self-parking options are available for a fee.
Please plan to arrive 20-30 minutes prior to your appointment time due to construction. This will allow you plenty of time to park, locate your clinic and complete any additional paperwork.
Directions and Parking information for the Endocrine Tumor Program:
Please print, fill out, and return the Medical Record Release Form to your new patient coordinator. The medical release form is an authorization form for external facilities to release medical records to Stanford Health Care.
Always feel free to bring someone with you to your appointments. A family member or friend can help ask questions, remember the information your care team gives you, and provide support.
Write down your questions before your appointment and rank them in order of importance, beginning with the most important ones. If there isn’t enough time to have all your questions answered during your appointment, ask your doctor who you can speak with to get your other questions answered.
You have multiple options when it comes to paying your bill.
- Online:
- You can pay your bill in MyHealth or the MyHealth mobile app, our secure health information tool for patients
- You can also pay as a guest without creating a login.
- By mail:
- Stanford Health Care Hospital Payment Processing P.O. Box 740715, Los Angeles, CA 90074-0715
- By calling a Customer Service Representative at 1-800-549-3720, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For more information about billing, visit our Billing page.
Patient billing services at Stanford Health Care are provided by the billing office. To inquire about a bill that you received, please contact customer service:
Stanford Hospital Billing
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
1-800-549-3720
At Stanford, we take care of the details so that you can focus on your health and wellness. Our doctors work as a team with nurses, advanced practice providers, registered dietitians, and technologists to coordinate every aspect of your care. We also offer a wide range of support services to promote healing and improve your quality of life. Learn more about our support services »
Please call our clinic receptionists at 650-736-5555. They are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to help you reschedule or cancel your appointment.
To determine if a clinical trial is right for you, talk to your doctor. He or she can refer you to a research coordinator for more information on studies that may be right for your specific condition.
You can also find the guidelines for who can participate in a particular clinical trial online. However, it is best to work with your doctor to decide the right care approach for your needs.
Many of our programs are available to international patients.
Our International Medicine Services team can help you find the right doctor, estimate medical costs, book travel, and get you information about Stanford programs and services.
Please call +1 650-723-8561 or email IMS@stanfordhealthcare.org to get started.
For Referring Physicians
PHYSICIAN HELPLINE
Phone: 1-866-742-4811
Fax: 650-320-9443
Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Stanford Health Care provides comprehensive services to refer and track patients, as well as the latest information and news for physicians and office staff. For help with all referral needs and questions, visit Referring Physicians.
If you are an outside referring physician and would like to refer a patient to Stanford Cancer Center, please fill out the Cancer Center Referral Request Form and fax it to 650-320-9443.
To request an appointment with an endocrine tumor specialist, call 650-498-6000.