Some types of head and neck cancers are endocrine cancers. Endocrine specialists are involved in caring for patients with these cancers and diseases. Neurosurgeons, endocrinologists and head and neck surgeons collaborate to treat these complex tumors.
Types of head and neck endocrine cancers:
- Thyroid cancers
- Differentiated Thyroid Cancer (DTC), such as papillary and follicular thyroid cancers begin in the follicular cells of the thyroid.
- Medullary Cancer originates from the parafollicular cells, which produce the hormone calcitonin.
- Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer (ATC) is a rare, but serious, aggressive cancer.
- Parathyroid Cancer
- Most tumors that develop in the parathyroid glands are benign (not cancer). There are fewer than 100 cases of parathyroid cancer diagnosed in the United States each year.
- Parathyroid Disease includes
- Primary Hyperparathyroidism, which leads to the production of too much parathyroid hormone;
- Secondary Hyperparathyroidism, which may develop in patients with chronic kidney disease; and
- Hypoparathyroidism (lack of calcium), which most often occurs after neck surgery or in patients with an autoimmune disease.
- Pituitary tumors:
- These abnormal growths develop in your pituitary gland, resulting in either too many hormones produced or too few hormones produced in your body. Most pituitary tumors are noncancerous.
Why Choose Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center?
One of only 71 NCI-designated cancer centers in the United States. Sylvester is one of only two cancer centers in Florida that have been recognized by the National Cancer Institute. The team earned this distinction through its outstanding work conducting research in its laboratories, treating patients in its clinics and hospitals, and reaching out to medically underserved communities with innovative prevention strategies.
The Department of Otolaryngology ranks No. 9 in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report. The team has one of the largest academic head-neck cancer groups in the country at South Florida’s only NCI-designated cancer center, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Surgeons lead a well-established multidisciplinary oncology team, incorporating innovative techniques such as oral cancer screening, robotic technology, microvascular reconstruction, sentinel node identification, and a specialized postoperative care unit for these complex procedures.
More board-certified head and neck surgical specialists than any other South Florida provider. Surgery simplified. In the majority of cases requiring reconstruction, you have just one operation for cancer removal and any reconstructive surgery. Sylvester is one of the best places in the country for simultaneous head and neck cancer surgery and microvascular reconstruction.
Clinical trials that focus on robotic surgery, chemotherapy, reducing radiation toxicity and immunotherapy are often available for head and neck cancer patients. The most advanced treatment options available in the South Florida region.
Advanced radiation oncology tools. New treatments not available elsewhere: Your access to trials that match your specific cancer gives you the best chance for the best treatment outcomes.