Endocrine Oncology Care

The Endocrine Oncology Center at Weill Cornell Medicine offers high-quality, personalized treatment for patients with endocrine tumors of the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal gland, gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. Our expert team of surgeons, nurses and staff ensure patients experience the best care possible and treatment that meets their unique needs.

At Weill Cornell Medicine Endocrine Oncology Center, we understand the importance of quickly diagnosing and treating an endocrine tumor, as well as keeping your convenience in mind. Our team personalizes your treatment — and promotes your comfort and quality of life throughout the entire process. Your emotional and physical well-being are our top priorities.

Our compassionate team understands that having endocrine cancer surgery is a highly personal experience that can be overwhelming and tiring. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care so that you are as comfortable as possible throughout your surgery — and live the fullest, healthiest and most active life possible afterward.

In addition to their expertise, our physicians follow you through the spectrum of additional cancer treatments you may receive as part of your endocrine cancer diagnosis.

Expert Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatment for Endocrine Tumors

Experienced, Compassionate Surgeons

At Weill Cornell Medicine Endocrine Oncology Center, we understand that surgery is a monumental moment in one’s life. We highly value that our patients place their trust in our hands. Patients find comfort knowing their surgery will be performed by highly skilled experts. Our surgeons specialize in many types of endocrine surgeries. They are dedicated to keeping patients safe, informed and healthy. 

Expert Surgical Treatment

Patients at Weill Cornell Medicine Endocrine Oncology Center are treated with the most advanced surgical techniques and technology available. One technique we specialize in is called minimally invasive surgery, which allows surgery to be performed through small incisions (cuts) in the skin. For patients, this means less pain, less bleeding, quicker recovery and a smaller scar. It also is associated with shorter length of stay in the hospital. 

Radiofrequency Ablation and Ethanol Ablation

Several new procedures, including radiofrequency and ethanol ablation therapies, are available to treat some thyroid nodules and small thyroid cancers without surgery. Ablation therapy is a non-surgical treatment performed by highly skilled Weill Cornell Medicine surgeons. The procedure is done by inserting a small needle into the thyroid nodule or cancer to destroy the unhealthy tissue. Patients receive medication before the procedure starts to prevent pain and help make them comfortable and relaxed.

Initial Evaluation

During your first appointment, your doctor will evaluate your condition and talk with you about the type of tumor you have. You will have a physical exam, which may include a close look at your vocal cords. Your doctor may also want to biopsy your thyroid nodule by inserting a thin needle into the nodule to obtain a sample of cells. This quick procedure is performed during your office visit to help determine the best treatment approach.

Endocrine Oncology Conditions We Treat

Weill Cornell Medicine Endocrine Oncology Center offers exceptional care to detect, diagnose and treat diseases and conditions of the thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal gland, as well as endocrine tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. 

We care for all conditions, including:

●      Hyperthyroidism

●      Hypothyroidism

●      Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland)

●      Thyroid nodules

●      Thyroid cancer

●      Papillary thyroid cancer

●      Follicular thyroid cancer/Hürthle cell carcinoma

●      Medullary thyroid cancer

●      Anaplastic thyroid cancer

●      Thyroid lymphoma

●      Parathyroid cancer

●      Adrenal cancer

●      Adrenal tumors

●      Adrenal incidentaloma

●      Adrenal Cushing’s syndrome

●      Paraganglioma

●      Pheochromocytoma

●      Primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s syndrome)

●      Sex hormone producing tumor

Your treatment plan will be personalized for your specific condition and long-term health goals. We offer the most advanced surgical and non-surgical treatment options, including: 

●      Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation: This procedure uses a needle-like catheter containing an electrode at the tip to precisely heat and destroy tissue under real-time ultrasound guidance. This is a new, state-of-the-art approach and has been shown to be an effective alternative to surgery for benign thyroid nodules that are symptomatic, enlarging, hyperfunctioning, or cosmetically disfiguring. This approach has also been shown as an effective treatment option for carefully-selected small low-risk thyroid cancers, as well as a subset of recurrent thyroid cancers in the neck. After ablation, you will continue active thyroid surveillance, which includes repeat imaging at defined time intervals and repeat biopsy if new nodules develop at a later date.

●      Ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation: This procedure is a minimally-invasive non-surgical procedure typically used to treat benign thyroid cysts and recurrent thyroid cancer. The procedure is performed by injecting alcohol into the cyst or tumor through a small needle under ultrasound guidance, and serves as an alternative to extensive surgery in certain scenarios. Similar to radiofrequency ablation, you will continue active surveillance, which includes repeat imaging at defined time intervals and repeat biopsy if new nodules develop at a later date.

●      Thyroid surgery

●      Radioactive iodine treatment

●      Parathyroid surgery

●      Adrenal surgery

Personal, Compassionate Care

Our team of endocrine specialists wants you to feel comfortable making decisions about your treatment, recovery and long-term health. Your needs, questions and concerns are important to us. We will provide useful information about treatment options, the risks and benefits of treatment and what to expect throughout your care. At Weill Cornell Medicine, you will be treated with dignity and respect.

Your care team will include surgeons, nurses and staff who prioritize your care, safety and comfort throughout the entire surgery process. Our surgeons and nurses will empower you with information about your condition and treatment options. Together with your surgeon, you will determine the best treatment plan based on your specific condition, lifestyle goals and overall health. We want you to feel comfortable making informed decisions about your condition, surgery, recovery and long-term health.

Request a Second Opinion

If you would like a second opinion, we can connect you remotely with expert physicians and specialists at the Weill Cornell Medicine Endocrine Oncology Center. They will review your situation, answer your questions and provide information. A second opinion can help you decide whether to receive treatment locally or at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Learn more about getting an expert second opinion.

Request an Appointment

To request an appointment, please fill out our form. Our staff will help you find the physician who best fits your individual medical needs.