Chicago Cancer Surgery

• Thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer

• Parathyroid problems

• Tumors of the adrenal glands

• Carcinoid tumors

• Hormone-producing pancreas tumors (e.g., insulinoma, glucogonoma, and other neuroendocrine tumors)

• Recurrent endocrine cancers in the lymph glands or other organs

• A variety of general and cancer-related surgical problems

Adrenal glands
The adrenal glands are triangular-shaped glands located on top of the kidneys. They produce hormones such as:

• Estrogen
• Progesterone
• Steroids
• Cortisol
• Cortisone
• Adrenalin (epinephrine)
• Norepinephrine
• Dopamine

When the glands produce more or less hormones than your body needs, you can become sick. Some adrenal gland disorders include:

• Cushing’s syndrome
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• Adrenal adenomas or tumors

Thyroid and parathyroid glands

The thyroid and parathyroid are glands at the base of the neck. Though relatively small, these glands serve important functions. 

Thyroid
The thyroid gland releases hormones that control metabolism. When the thyroid gland is not working correctly, it can affect your body’s energy level. 

The three most common thyroid problems include:

• Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• Thyroid nodules

Depending on the diagnosis, the treatment options may include:

• Thyroid hormone pills or other medications
• Surgery

Parathyroid
The parathyroid glands are located in the neck, near or attached to the back side of the thyroid gland. They produce parathyroid hormone, which controls calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels within the blood and bone. The most common problem that affects the parathyroid glands is hyperparathyroidism.

Treatment depends upon the severity and cause of the condition. Some options may include:

• Monitoring by your doctor during regular check-ups
• Surgery to remove one of the parathyroid glands