Overview
Cleveland Clinic’s Multidisciplinary Adrenal and Neuroendocrine Tumor Center consists of one of the country’s largest group of surgical specialists who work closely with a team of specialists to provide expert care. Patients are seen by the appropriate experts based on their specific needs and case. Among these experts are endocrinologists, surgeons, radiologists, urologists, oncologists and genetic counselors.
The Multidisciplinary Adrenal and Neuroendocrine Center is within the Endocrinology & Metabolism Institute, which is ranked best in Ohio and #6 in the nation, according to US News & World Report’s Best Hospitals Rankings.
Departments within the institute include:
- Adrenal and Neuroendocrine Tumor Center.
- Calcium and Parathyroid Center.
- Department of Endocrine Surgery.
- Diabetes Center.
- Obesity and Medical Weight Loss Center.
- Thyroid Center.
Each year, our center evaluates over 300 patients from across the U.S. and the world. Among that percentage, our surgeons perform 80-90 adrenalectomies annually.
Coordinated care
Each patient receives their own unique course of care that is tailored to their specific needs, including surgery. Our adrenal surgeons provide minimally invasive procedures as well as complex and ablation, depending on individual patient needs.
To ensure patients receive the best quality of care, the Adrenal and Neuroendocrine Tumor Center advises extensive follow up protocol including lab work and imaging.
Tumor board
Within the Center, there is a multidisciplinary tumor board that meets monthly with multiple subspecialties to discuss individual patient cases and generate consensus on how to provide the highest individualized optimal care unique to each patient.
Specialties that meet as part of the Tumor Board include:
- Endocrine Surgery.
- Medical Endocrinology.
- Oncology.
- Radiation Oncology.
- Nuclear Medicine.
- Radiology.
- Interventional Radiology.
- Pathology.
Types of Tumors
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are cancers formed from cells that release hormones in a response to signals from the nervous system. NETs are rare and can occur anywhere in the body, but commonly occur in the lungs, digestive track, lymph nodes, appendix, and pancreas (islet cells). NETs can grow both rapidly or slowly, depending on the type and location in the body. Some neuroendocrine tumors produce excess hormones, whereas others don't release hormones or are unable to release enough to cause symptoms, which are often referred to as non-functional.
Generally, symptoms of a neuroendocrine tumor can include:
- A lump that you may be able to feel underneath the skin.
- Fatigue.
- Unusual weight loss.
- Pain resulting from a growing tumor.
Neuroendocrine tumors that produce excess hormones may also cause:
- Frequent urination.
- Increased thirst.
- Skin flushing.
- Skin rash.
The exact cause of neuroendocrine tumors isn't known, but risk of these tumors is higher in people who inherit genetic syndromes increasing the risk of cancer, which is why it is important to make an appointment with a specialist if you begin to notice these signs or symptoms.
Neuroendocrine tumors have distinct biology and behavior compared to other tumor types. Understanding their pathophysiology and unique hormonal profile is the first step in the high quality management of patients with these types of tumors. The Adrenal and Neuroendocrine Tumor Center team works closely together to provide optimal care with the most current therapies for patients with neuroendocrine tumors.
Treatment Options
Neuroendocrine tumors have a distinct biology and behavior compared to other tumor types. Understanding their pathophysiology and unique hormonal profile is the first step in the management of the patients. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment and due to the chronic nature of these tumors, minimally invasive treatment is important to preserve the quality of life.
Endocrine surgery is a distinct field that combines endocrinology, surgery and oncology. Surgical treatment of Neuroendocrine Tumors include:
- Metastatic tumors to the liver.
- Gastrinoma, tumor of the cell that results in overproduction of the hormone, gastrin.
- Glucagonoma, tumor of the cell that results in overproduction of the hormone, glucagon.
- Insulinoma, tumor in a cell that results in the overproduction of insulin.
- Non-functional Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors.
Our Doctors
Medical endocrinologists
Endocrine surgeons
Medical oncology
Appointments & Locations
To schedule an appointment with one of our endocrinologists, please call 216.444.6568.
Location
Our office is located at Cleveland Clinic's main campus.
9500 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland , Ohio 44195
Virtual second opinions
If you cannot travel to Cleveland Clinic, help is available. You can connect with Cleveland Clinic specialists from any location in the world via a phone, tablet, or computer, eliminating the burden of travel time and other obstacles.
If you’re facing a significant medical condition or treatment such as surgery, this program provides virtual access to a Cleveland Clinic physician who will review the diagnosis and treatment plan. Following a comprehensive evaluation of medical records and labs, you’ll receive an educational second opinion from an expert in their medical condition covering diagnosis, treatment options or alternatives as well as recommendations regarding future therapeutic considerations. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to speak with the physician expert directly to address questions or concerns.
Virtual visits
You can now stay connected to your healthcare team through virtual visits, using your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Why go virtual? It's an easy, convenient and secure way to see your provider face-to-face without having to leave home. This saves you travel time, parking fees and time spent in the waiting room — and you can also have a loved one or caregiver join you. If appropriate, you can also get a prescription sent to the pharmacy of your choice.
Many insurance companies cover the cost of virtual visits, so check with your insurance company ahead of time. Interested in getting started? Call your provider to find out what virtual visit options are available.
Resources
Patients with Neuroendocrine Tumors benefit from a long-term care plan, a collaborative team of multidisciplinary specialists, a strong support system and evidence based resources. View our list of resources for education and support for you and your loved ones.
