The endocrine system is a network of endocrine glands in the body. Endocrine glands produce and release hormones that circulate around the body in the blood. Hormones keep an even balance of chemicals and fluid within the body and help us respond to changes in the environment.

The endocrine system is made up of several glands, including: the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, the pancreas, parathyroid glands and the adrenal glands.

Tumours can occur in endocrine glands. Most endocrine tumours are non-cancerous (benign), but some are cancerous (malignant).

Endocrine tumours are classified according to:

• the particular endocrine glands that are involved
• the type of cell from which the cancer developed
• the part of the body that is affected

Cancerbackup has information on the following types of endocrine tumour:

• Adrenal gland tumours
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia 1 (MEN1)
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia 2 (MEN2)
• Pancreatic cancer
• Parathyroid gland tumours
• Pituitary gland tumours
• Thyroid cancer