Home > Encyclopedia of Cancer > Endocrine System Tumors

Definition

The group of tumors that are associated with the hormone-secreting (endocrine) glands of the body.

Description

The glands in the body that make and secrete hormones comprise the endocrine system. All endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, where they travel to a target organ or cell to trigger a specific reaction. These glands are primarily involved in controlling many of the slow and long-term activities in the body, such as growth, sexual development, and regulation of blood levels for many important proteins and essential chemical elements.

Endocrine glands are found in the head and neck region, the abdominal region, and the pelvic area (the region where the...