Personalized Treatment for Endocrine Tumors and Disorders
At Saint John’s Healt Center, we provide comprehensive, evidence-based treatment for thyroid and endocrine disorders through a combination of medical expertise, advanced imaging, and minimally invasive surgical techniques. Our team specializes in managing diseases of the endocrine glands—thyroid, parathyroid, pituitary, and adrenal—to restore optimal hormone balance and improve your overall health.
The Center for Endocrine Tumors and Disorders offers world-renowned endocrinology care for patients with thyroid disease, thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules, adrenal masses, adrenal cancer, and other complex endocrine system conditions, supported by the Saint John’s Cancer Institute.
Diagnostic Tests for Endocrine Disorders
Accurate diagnosis is the first step in treating endocrine disorders. Our team uses advanced tests and imaging to identify abnormal hormone production or endocrine gland growths.
Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves that pass through the tissues to create images of the thyroid gland. This can help the surgeon identify nodules, inflammation such as Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease, and suspicious lymph nodes.
Thyroid Biopsy and Molecular Testing
Fine needle biopsies and molecular testing provide essential information about suspicious thyroid nodules or lymph nodes, guiding precise treatment planning.
Parathyroid Imaging
Advanced imaging, such as ultrasound, 3D/4D CT, or Sestamibi scans, helps locate a parathyroid tumor before surgery, improving surgical precision and patient outcomes.
Surgical Treatment for Endocrine Disorders
Our surgeons specialize in minimally invasive procedures that target tumors or malfunctioning endocrine glands while preserving healthy tissue.
Parathyroidectomy
Parathyroidectomy is the only definitive treatment for hyperparathyroidism, an endocrine disorder affecting calcium regulation. Our endocrine surgeon performs minimally invasive parathyroid surgery and 4-gland parathyroid explorations with Intraoperative PTH testing.
Thyroidectomy and Neck Dissection
A thyroidectomy is surgery to remove part (thyroid lobectomy) or all (total thyroidectomy) of the thyroid gland for large nodules, either large or suspicious thyroid nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism. Our endocrine surgeons can perform minimally invasive thyroid surgery for most diagnoses.
Laparoscopic and Open Adrenalectomy
An adrenalectomy removes one or both adrenal glands when a tumor produces excess hormones or appears malignant. This precise endocrine surgery restores normal hormone function and improves patient health.
Non-Surgical and Medical Treatments for Endocrine Disorders
Radioactive Iodine
Radioactive iodine (RAI), or I131, is used to destroy overactive or cancerous thyroid tissue. It remains an effective treatment for endocrine disorders such as Graves’ disease and certain forms of thyroid cancer.
Antithyroid Medication and Hormonal Therapy
For hyperthyroidism, antithyroid medication can regulate hormone levels without surgery. In some cases, hormone replacement therapy is prescribed to correct deficiencies caused by underactive or surgically removed endocrine glands.
Hormone Injections and Growth Hormone Therapy
Certain endocrine disorders—such as growth hormone deficiency or pituitary dysfunction—may require growth hormone injections or other hormone injections to help the body maintain proper metabolic balance. These growth hormone therapies can be essential for children with growth delay and adults with hormone imbalance related to the pituitary gland.
Advanced Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Treatments
Neuroendocrine Treatment for Tumors
Our team offers specialized neuroendocrine treatment options for patients with rare neuroendocrine tumors, combining surgery, medical therapy, and targeted radiation to control hormone-producing tumors throughout the body.
Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Thyroid RFA is a minimally invasive, non-surgical option for treating benign thyroid nodules. It offers effective symptom relief without scarring or prolonged recovery. RFA is an outpatient procedure that results in a significant reduction in nodule size.
Radiation Oncology
When advised, radiotherapy may be recommended in some instances. At the Vasek Polak Radiation Oncology Department at Saint John’s Health Center, our patients have access to advanced radiation therapy technology that targets and destroys cancerous endocrine gland tumors while preserving healthy tissues.
Holistic and Ongoing Care for Endocrine Health
Our commitment to long-term endocrine health extends beyond surgery. We monitor hormone levels, adjust medications, and ensure that every patient receives personalized follow-up care to maintain balance in the endocrine system.
Whether you require radioactive iodine, growth hormone injections, or neuroendocrine treatment, our experts provide comprehensive, compassionate care for endocrine disorders that address the root cause and support lasting wellness.
Answers to Endocrine and Thyroid Questions
Contact The Center for Endocrine Tumors and Disorders for additional information or to ask questions. We will repsond to you at our earliest convenience.