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Endocrine Disorder Treatments
Tumors may affect the surrounding parts of the brain or spine, including organs in the endocrine system. The endocrine system controls the hormones that ensure children grow and develop properly.
Neuroendocrinologists look at how brain or spinal cord tumors and their treatments affect the endocrine system. At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, we have one of the only Brain Tumor Centers in the country with a specialized neuroendocrinologist on the treatment team. This collaborative approach ensures that your child receives every necessary treatment without delay.
How Tumors Affect the Endocrine System
Brain or spinal cord tumors commonly affect two parts of the endocrine system: the pituitary gland and the thyroid gland.
The pituitary gland
The pituitary gland, a small organ in the back of the brain, produces and regulates hormones. These hormones affect other organs and glands, such as the adrenal glands, thyroid and reproductive organs. That’s why endocrinologists often call the pituitary gland the master gland of the endocrine system.
Sometimes, a tumor presses on the pituitary gland, affecting its function. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy may also affect how this gland works.
The thyroid
The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate your child’s:
- Energy
- Heart function
- Metabolism
- Muscle growth
Brain and spinal cord tumors may cause an underactive or overactive thyroid. An underactive thyroid means the gland isn’t producing enough hormones, while an overactive thyroid means the gland is producing too many hormones.
Neuroendocrine symptoms
If a brain or spinal cord tumor affects the endocrine system, your child may experience:
- Appetite changes
- Body temperature fluctuations
- Changes in growth or development
- Delayed onset of puberty
- Difficulty walking
- Unexplained weight changes
What Is Neuroendocrine Treatment?
The goal of neuroendocrine treatment is to help children grow and develop properly. Your child’s neuroendocrine treatment may involve:
Fertility Counseling and Preservation
Many children still go through puberty and have children naturally after cancer treatment. However, because endocrine disorders disrupt children’s hormones, these disorders can sometimes affect fertility. It’s important to talk with your child’s treatment team to understand the risks of infertility and the possible fertility preservation options.
Growth Hormone Injections
If your child is not growing as expected, a neuroendocrinologist may prescribe growth hormone injections. These medications can jump-start or slow down development so that your child stays on a healthy timeline for growth.
Depending on the dose and medication type, these injections may help your child:
- Grow at a healthy rate
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Regulate appetite
- Walk and balance more easily (by regulating growth rate)
Thyroid Medications
Children who experience thyroid symptoms may take oral medication to help regulate the thyroid.
Endocrinology and Brain Tumor Treatment at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Our neuroendocrinologist works with neuro-oncologists and neurosurgeons to diagnose and treat all types of brain and spinal cord tumors. Learn more about brain tumor diagnosis and treatments.