Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Diagnosing and treating adrenal tumors

At the Neuroendocrine and Endocrine Neoplasia Clinic at Tufts Medical Center you will find specialized diagnostic services for a full range of hypothalalmic, pituitary, adrenal and islet cell tumors along with comprehensive treatment options including laparoscopic surgery.

Our nationally ranked doctors have decades of experience in treating these complex and sometimes rare conditions. They will get to know you personally and work closely with you to learn more about your specific condition, develop an individualized treatment plan and coordinate your care with other specialists.

The clinic is a referral center for patients with pituitary and adrenal tumors, in particular patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas, prolactinomas, Cushing’s disease and acromegaly, and for pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas,. We have a strong national reputation in treating these tumors because we are able to combine clinical care with research to better understand and treat these disorders.

An expert team lead by Clinic Director Ronald M. Lechan, MD

At the Neuroendocrine and Neoplasia Clinic at Tufts MC, you will be cared for by doctors who are at the forefront of advancing the field of adrenal tumor treatment. This is one of a few select sites participating in an ongoing collaborative study with the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute, among others, to develop a Cancer Genome Atlas. This directory will help identify common characteristics of patients and understand more about the tumor biology of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma in order to develop better diagnostic tests and treatments.

The clinic is led by Ronald Lechan, M.D., who has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best doctors in the country and among the top one percent in his field. Dr. Lechan is Chief of Tufts Medical Center’s Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and a professor at Tufts University School of Medicine. His specialties are hypothalamic disease, pituitary disease, disorders of the thyroid, adrenal disease and islet cell tumors.

Dr. Lechan is known for the strong relationships he has with patients, many of whom come to see him for years. He takes the time to get to know his patients and find out what is important to them.

How will my disease be diagnosed?

Diagnosing pituitary and adrenal gland tumors is complex because the symptoms are often similar to common ailments. Our doctors and nurses are skilled at determining which of the dozens of diagnostic tests available are best for you. After giving you a precise  diagnosis, we use specialized testing to find out where your tumor is and develop a plan for its treatment.

The conditions we treat in the clinic include:

• Pituitary adenomas
• Craniopharyngiomas
• Hypothalamic Tumors
• Suprasellar masses
• Cushing’s Disease
• Inflammatory Disease of the Pituitary
• Prolactinoma
• Acromegaly
• Aldosteronomas
• Cortisol-secreting adenomas
• Adrenocortical carcinoma
• Carcinoid tumors
• Islet cell tumors
• MEN-1 syndrome
• MEN-2 syndrome

What treatments are available?

Your treatment plan will depend on the type of tumor you have, how quickly it is growing and your overall health. Our doctors may recommend medical therapy, surgery or careful, ongoing monitoring of the tumor. Your care will be provided by a team of specialists from endocrinology, and as necessary,ophthalmology, oncology, surgery, anesthesiology and/or pathology.

Our surgeries are generally performed as minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures with a quicker recovery time than traditional, open surgery. During your recovery, you will be cared for by same the doctors you see in the clinic.

As you move through treatment, our doctors will determine whether your tumors are due to an inherited disease. If our doctors find that your condition has a genetic cause, their care can be extended to your family. This could include genetic counseling, testing and treatment.

Whether you are being monitored or receiving active treatment, we are always here for you. You may have problems at any time and you can call us at any time.