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Neuroendocrine + Endocrine Neoplasia

The endocrine system is made of nerves and gland cells that make and send hormones throughout the body. Neuroendocrine and endocrine neoplasia occurs when those cells grow out of control and can lead to rare conditions, including the full range of hypothalamic, pituitary, adrenal and islet cell tumors.

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Neuroendocrine 101: How cells become tumors

Let’s break down what it means when we talk about neuroendocrine cells:

  • “Neuro” refers to how your body receives signals from your nervous system.
  • “Endocrine” ties back to your endocrine system, which creates your hormones.

Your endocrine system is made of glands and organs that keep our bodies functioning normally, like our growth and development, metabolism and even emotions. While rare, neuroendocrine cells can develop neoplasia (new, abnormal tissue growth or tumors). These tumors can have a ripple effect on other conditions.

You can feel confident knowing our team has earned a national reputation for treating these tumors thanks to our duo of clinical care and pioneering research.

Anastassios Pittas, MD, MS, endocrinologist and Co-Director of the Diabetes Center at Tufts Medical Center consults with patient in clinic appointment.
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Conditions

We diagnose and treat problems with the hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal glands and neuroendocrine tumors in different parts of the body. These conditions include: 

Acromegaly
Adrenal adenoma
Adrenal Insufficiency
Adrenocortical carcinoma
Adult growth hormone deficiency syndrome
Carcinoid tumors
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Craniopharyngiomas
Cushing's syndrome
Gastrinoma
Glucagonoma
Hyperaldosteronism
Hypophysitis
Hypopituitarism
Insulinoma
Non-secreting pituitary adenomas
Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma
Pheochromocytomas
Prolactinoma
Pheochromocytoma + Paraganglioma  

These unusual tumors come from special cells that help control blood pressure. They can cause your body to produce too much of a hormone called adrenaline. We work closely with our partners in surgery, pathology, genetics and radiology to treat and remove them.

Pituitary disorders 

When your pituitary gland isn't working correctly, it can cause issues in your body, like growth problems, hormone imbalances and vision changes. Your wellness team may include experts from neurosurgery, radiology, pathology and radiation oncology who will work together to help get your body's control center back on track.

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Testing

We look at everything about you to get the exact care you need, using advanced technology and testing that may include: 

  • Complete history and physical
  • Blood testing
  • 24-hour urine testing
  • Special hormone stimulation or suppression tests
  • MRI, CT or special PET scans 

 

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Treatments

Your treatment plan depends on the type of tumor you have, how quickly it's growing and your overall health. We use the most advanced treatments and medical technologies available, including: 

  • Endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery
  • Gamma Knife surgery
  • Laparoscopic adrenal surgery
  • Medications
  • Radiopharmaceutical theranostic therapy

If you require surgery, many options include minimally invasive techniques, like laparoscopic or endoscopic procedures, that bring less pain and a quicker recovery time than traditional, open surgery.

As you move through treatment, our doctors will determine whether your tumors are from an inherited disease. If our doctors pinpoint that your condition is genetic, we can extend care to your family, too. This could include genetic counseling, testing and treatment.

Anasuya Gunturi MD, PhD talks with patient at Lowell General Hospital's Women's Wellness Center clinic appointment.
Our locations

From regular office visits to inpatient stays, find the healthcare you need and deserve close to home.

Family physician Sarwada Tuladhar Jha, MD talking to patient during exam at a clinic appointment and inputting health information at the computer.
Our doctors + care team

Meet the doctors and care team devoted to supporting you every step of the way along your path to better health.

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