Endocrine Cancers

Endocrine cancers occur in glands that make important hormones that help the body function normally. Endocrine cancers include cancer of the adrenal cortex and thyroid as well as pheochromocytoma.

Cancer of the adrenal cortex, or adrenocortical cancer, occurs when cancer cells grown in the or outer layer the adrenal gland on top of each kidney which produces steroid hormones. In pheochromocytoma, cancerous cells are found in special cells in the body called chromaffin cells. Thyroid cancer occurs in the thyroid gland.

The following are resources from the National Cancer Institute for endocrine cancers:

Resources and Support

Here are some helpful endocrine cancer-related resources, including support groups as well as printed and online information.

  • American Thyroid Association, a professional organization, published printed brochures and devotes a part of its Web site to providing information and resources about thyroid-related diseases for the public and patients.
  • ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc. is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization, guided by a medical advisory council of renowned thyroid cancer specialists, offering support and information to thyroid cancer survivors, families, and health care professionals worldwide.
  • UrologyHealth.org, sponsored by the American Urological Association, provides easy-to-understand information about adrenal gland disorders as well as pheochromacytoma. Descriptions include pictures and information about clinical trials.

For additional cancer information, see the general cancer Support section of this Web site or call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER.