Endocrine System Diseases
Diseases of the endocrine system can result from the oversecretion or undersecretion of hormones or from the inability of target organs or tissues to respond to hormones effectively.
Endocrine System Diseases Encyclopedia Articles
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goitre
Goitre, enlargement of the thyroid gland, resulting in a prominent swelling in the front of the neck. The normal human thyroid gland weighs 10 to 20 grams (about 0.3 to 0.6 ounce), and some goitrous thyroid...
hypogonadism
Hypogonadism, in men, decreased testicular function that results in testosterone deficiency and infertility. Hypogonadism is caused by hypothalamic, pituitary, and testicular diseases. Hypothalamic and...
pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer, a disease characterized by abnormal growth of cells in the pancreas, a 15-cm- (6-inch-) long gland located behind the stomach. The pancreas is primarily made up of two different tissues...
hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, a deficiency in hormone production by the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism usually results from a disorder of the thyroid gland, in which case it is described as primary hypothyroidism. Congenital...
gigantism
Gigantism, excessive growth in stature, well beyond the average for the individual’s heredity and environmental conditions. Tall stature may result from hereditary, dietary, or other factors. Gigantism...
Cushing syndrome
Cushing syndrome, disorder caused by overactivity of the adrenal cortex. If caused by a tumour of the pituitary gland, it is called Cushing disease. In 1932 American neurosurgeon Harvey Cushing described...