If you’ve been diagnosed with an endocrine condition—such as thyroid disease, adrenal tumors, or parathyroid disorders—you may already see an endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and managing hormone-related conditions. However, you may also be referred to an endocrine surgeon at times.
So, what’s the difference between an endocrinologist and an endocrine surgeon? Let’s break it down.
What does an endocrinologist do?
An endocrinologist is a hormone specialist who:
- Diagnoses and manages endocrine disorders, such as thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, and parathyroid conditions.
- Prescribes medications or hormone therapy.
- Helps patients manage their condition with lifestyle changes and regular monitoring.
Endocrinologists focus on non-surgical treatment and long-term management of endocrine diseases.
What does an endocrine surgeon do?
In contrast, endocrine surgeons are specifically trained to perform surgery on hormone glands when:
- A condition isn’t responding to lifestyle changes or medication
- Cancer or a suspicious mass is present
- Lab tests point to overactive or enlarged glands
As an endocrine surgeon, here are some of the procedures I commonly perform:
- Thyroid biopsies in-office are done to help identify if a thyroid nodule is suspicious for thyroid cancer
- Thyroidectomy Removal of part or all of the thyroid gland due to thyroid cancer, nodules, hyperthyroidism, or other thyroid conditions. Some thyroid conditions can also be treated with minimally invasive methods that avoid the need for surgical scars (e.g.radiofrequency ablation).
- Modified Radical Neck Dissection is a specialized procedure performed in cases of thyroid cancer that has metastasized to lymph nodes outside of the thyroid gland.
- Adrenalectomy, which is the removal of one or both adrenal glands, often due to functional tumors that over-secrete hormones or cancer – we offer multiple minimally invasive approaches to adrenal gland resection, including transabdominal (through the belly) and retroperitoneoscopic (through the back).
- Parathyroidectomy is the removal of overactive parathyroid glands that cause high calcium levels, often linked to parathyroid disease. These can cause various effects including osteoporosis, kidney stones, and worsening kidney function, fatigue, and bone and joint pain.
Not every endocrine condition requires surgery, but when it does, having a surgeon who specializes in these procedures and is a high-volume specialist can make a significant difference in outcomes.
How do endocrinologists and endocrine surgeons work together?
Endocrine care works best when it’s team based. At NGPG, your endocrine care team may include both endocrinologists and endocrine surgeons. Endocrine surgeons work closely with endocrinologists to ensure patients receive the most appropriate and personalized treatment.
When considering surgery, the process typically looks like this:
- The endocrinologist identifies a condition that may need surgery, such as a suspicious thyroid nodule, an adrenal mass, or elevated calcium levels due to parathyroid disease.
- The patient is referred to an endocrine surgeon for further evaluation.
- Both specialists will review your lab results, imaging, and medical history together.
- Treatment decisions are made together as a team, from diagnosis to recovery.
Communication continues throughout the process, from pre-operative planning to post-operative recovery, ensuring that patients receive safe, personalized, and well-coordinated care.
Personalized surgical care
Facing surgery can feel overwhelming, and patients deserve clear communication and compassionate care. Endocrine surgeons take time to explain the diagnosis, discuss treatment options, and answer questions. This helps patients feel informed and supported every step of the way.
FAQs
What’s the difference between an endocrinologist and an endocrine surgeon?
An endocrinologist manages hormone conditions with medicine, while an endocrine surgeonperforms surgery if needed.
When would I need an endocrine surgeon?
If you have thyroid cancer, adrenal tumors, or overactive parathyroid glands that can’t be managed with medication.
Do endocrinologists and surgeons work together?
Yes. They collaborate closely as an endocrine care team to decide if surgery is needed and to provide seamless care before and after.
Learn More
The team at NGPG Surgical Associates is experienced in endocrine surgery and is committed to working closely in partnership with your endocrinologist or oncologist.
If you’ve been referred for endocrine surgery or would like to learn more about your options, please call us at (770) 219-9200 to schedule a consultation.