Endocrine Oncology
Treatment of endocrine cancers and tumors affecting hormone regulation.
The endocrine system consists of glands that secrete hormones such as the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreatic and adrenal glands. Cancers of these organs sometimes result in excessive and unregulated hormone secretion.
The Endocrine Oncology program at Cancer Care Northwest offers comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and follow up for patients with endocrine gland tumors or multiple endocrine neoplasia.
About The Endocrine Oncology Team
The multidisciplinary endocrine oncology team is comprised of specialists centered around Colleen Carey, MD, an endocrinologist with years of experience practicing endocrinology in Spokane. Dr. Carey collaborates with CCNW medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, along with members from the support services department to provide exceptional patient care.
Colleen Carey, MD, primarily focuses on treating patients with:
- Thyroid cancer
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndromes 1 and 2
- Carcinoid and Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Pancreas
Defining Endocrine Glands
- Thyroid Gland: Located in front of the neck, anterior to the trachea (windpipe). Thyroid hormone helps regulate the body’s overall metabolism through specific actions at the cellular level.
- Parathyroid Glands: There are 4 parathyroid glands located behind the thyroid; secretes parathyroid hormone. Responsible for controlling calcium levels in the blood.
- Adrenal Glands: There are 2 adrenal glands located on the top of each kidney. The inner part, the medulla, secretes catecholamines, including adrenaline, while the outer adrenal, the cortex, secretes cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol helps to regulate metabolism and immune response and plays an important role in the body’s response to stress. Aldosterone helps to regulate salt and water balance.
- Glands of the Pancreas: Located deep in the abdomen behind the stomach, the pancreas is primarily a digestive organ. It also contains extremely important endocrine cells which secrete insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and others. It’s purpose is to control blood glucose (blood sugar) and overall glucose metabolism and to help control other endocrine cells of the digestive tract.
- Pituitary Gland: The pituitary is located at the base of the brain and secretes thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), adrenocotropic hormone (ACTH), and others. Its purpose is to control the activity of many other endocrine glands (thyroid, ovaries, adrenal, etc.).