Endocrine tumours

Abstract

The endocrine system consists not only of discrete endocrine glands such as the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenals, and pituitary, but also the diffuse endocrine system of the gut and respiratory tract. Thyroid carcinoma is the commonest endocrine malignancy. Tumours can also arise from the non-endocrine cells of an endocrine gland (e.g. thyroid lymphomas). Endocrine tumours arising from endocrine glands are managed according to the site of origin. Neuroendocrine tumours arising from the diffuse endocrine system are managed according to the site of origin, extent of disease, and histopathological grade. This chapter covers endocrine tumours, including thyroid cancer (differentiated thyroid cancer, medullary carcinoma thyroid, anaplastic carcinoma thyroid, and primary thyroid lymphoma); parathyroid cancer; adrenocortical carcinoma; and neuroendocrine tumour.