List of Surgical Endocrine Oncologist near me in Walnut creek

A Surgical Endocrine Oncologist is a highly specialized surgeon dedicated to the treatment of cancers affecting the endocrine glands. These glands, including the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreas, produce hormones that regulate various bodily functions. This specialist combines expertise in surgical oncology with a deep understanding of endocrine disorders to provide comprehensive care for patients with endocrine tumors and malignancies. Surgical Endocrine Oncologists focus on the management of several key types of endocrine cancers, including: Thyroid Cancer: This cancer affects the thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism through hormone production. Treatments often involve surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland, known as thyroidectomy. Depending on the cancers type and stage, additional treatments like radioactive iodine therapy may be recommended. Parathyroid Cancer: Rare but serious, this cancer involves the parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium levels in the body. Surgical intervention typically involves the removal of the affected parathyroid gland(s) and potentially nearby lymph nodes. Adrenal Cancer: This cancer affects the adrenal glands, which produce hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Treatment often requires adrenalectomy, the surgical removal of one or both adrenal glands. Additional therapies, including chemotherapy or radiation, may be used based on the cancer's stage and spread. Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs): These rare tumors arise from hormone-producing cells in the pancreas. Surgical options, such as pancreatoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure), aim to remove the tumor while preserving as much pancreatic function as possible. Diagnosis and Evaluation are critical in developing an effective treatment plan. Surgical Endocrine Oncologists use a variety of diagnostic tools to accurately assess and stage endocrine cancers, including: Imaging Studies: Techniques such as CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound are used to visualize tumors and assess their spread. Biopsy: A procedure to obtain tissue samples for histological examination to confirm the presence and type of cancer. Hormone Level Testing: Blood tests to evaluate hormone levels and understand the impact of the tumor on endocrine function. Treatment Planning involves a multidisciplinary approach, with Surgical Endocrine Oncologists collaborating with endocrinologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists. Treatment strategies may include: Surgical Intervention: The primary treatment for many endocrine cancers, focuses on the complete removal of the tumor and affected tissue while preserving endocrine function when possible. Adjuvant Therapy: Including radioactive iodine therapy for thyroid cancer, or chemotherapy and radiation therapy for other cancers, as needed. Hormonal Management: Addressing hormonal imbalances resulting from surgery or the cancer itself.