Endocrine Cancers
The Endocrine Cancers Program offers evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of tumors of the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands, pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and pancreas. It is one of the largest multidisciplinary endocrine cancer programs in the country and cares for over 1,000 patients each year. Our surgeons are internationally recognized for their minimally invasive techniques and their groundbreaking research in benign and malignant endocrine disorders.
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine cancer. It begins as a tumor that develops in the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the throat. The thyroid produces hormones that help the body function normally. Thyroid nodules are common, and while more than 95 percent of thyroid tumors are not cancerous, there is a tremendous advantage to being evaluated and treated by experts in endocrine diseases. The preferred method for our physicians to evaluate a nodule is through a fine-needle aspiration biopsy. This procedure may be performed during a clinic visit. When cancer is suspected to be in a nodule, surgery is recommended.
Yale New Haven Hospital's Endocrine Surgery program is accredited by the American College of Surgeons. The program serves as a respected training ground for the best and brightest general surgeons, and includes a fellowship in collaboration with the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons. Researchers participate in national and international clinical trials.
Thyroid cancer can be divided into the well-differentiated types (papillary and follicular), medullary thyroid cancer, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. The most common are the well-differentiated forms, which generally have an excellent prognosis. Typically, they are treated with a combination of surgery, radioactive iodine, and thyroid suppression. The less common types of thyroid cancer can be very aggressive. Specialized thyroid surgical expertise is essential for management of all thyroid cancers.
Our Endocrine, Head and Neck (EHN) specialty pathology program provides the highest level of diagnostic and prognostic services to patients with tumors of the endocrine systems and the head and neck. The program is directed by a senior endocrine pathologist, and supports the only ACGME approved Endocrine Pathology fellowship and the third ACGME-approved Head & Neck Pathology fellowship in the country.
The Endocrine Cancers Program collaborates closely with the Smilow Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program to screen and evaluate patients who may have hereditary thyroid cancer. In addition, clinical trials testing new therapies and treatment options are offered to patients with medullary or anaplastic thyroid cancer.
