Adrenal Cancer Treatment in Delhi & Gurgaon
Understanding Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Adrenal Cancer
Illustration showing adrenal gland anatomy and cancer development
What is Adrenal Cancer?
Adrenal cancer occurs when cells in your adrenal glands mutate (change) and grow, forming a tumor. You have two adrenal glands — one on top of each kidney.
They make hormones that send signals to many different organs to help keep your body healthy. You can get adrenal cancer in one or both adrenal glands.
Types of adrenal gland cancer
There are three main types of adrenal cancer. Each starts in a different area of your adrenal gland:
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC)
Most common type. Forms in outer layer (cortex). Makes steroid hormones controlling metabolism, blood pressure, etc.
Neuroblastoma
Forms in nerve cells, often in inner part (medulla). Usually affects infants and children under 10.
Pheochromocytoma
Starts in center of medulla. Affects cells that produce adrenaline.
Symptoms and Causes
What are the symptoms of adrenal cancer?
Adrenal cancer affects everyone differently. Some people develop pain if the tumor grows and presses on nearby organs. Others may notice symptoms based on the extra hormones the tumor releases.
General Symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Feeling of fullness in belly
- Muscle cramps
- Weakness
- Headaches
Hormone-specific Symptoms
- Excess facial/body hair
- Newly elevated blood sugar
- High blood pressure
- Low potassium
- Unexplained weight changes
- Fast heartbeat
Metastatic Adrenal Cancer Symptoms (Stage 4)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Confusion
- Loss of appetite
In some cases, adrenal gland tumors don't cause any symptoms.
What causes adrenal cancer?
Healthcare providers don't know what causes most adrenal gland cancers. They know that mutations in the DNA can cause cells in your adrenal gland to change, grow and become cancerous. But they don't know exactly why these DNA mutations happen.
Some people inherit a gene mutation from a biological parent, which increases their risk of adrenal cancer. Others may develop adrenal gland cancer due to exposure to certain cancer-causing substances. But in the majority of cases, these DNA mutations seem to happen for no apparent reason.
Adrenal cancer staging
Healthcare providers use a cancer staging system to diagnose adrenal cancer. Staging tells you the size and location of the tumor and whether it has metastasized (spread to other areas of your body).
Stage 1
Tumor ≤5cm, hasn't spread outside adrenal gland
Stage 2
Tumor greater than 5cm, hasn't spread outside adrenal gland
Stage 3
Spread to surrounding tissues or nearby lymph nodes
Stage 4
Spread to distant areas (lungs, liver, etc.)
Staging systems can be complex. If you have specific questions about your diagnosis, you should talk to your healthcare provider.
Treatment
How is adrenal cancer treated?
Adrenal cancer treatment depends on the size and location of the tumor, and whether it has spread outside of your adrenal gland.
Possible Treatments
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Other medications
Medical Team Specialists
- Oncologists (surgical, radiation, medical)
- Endocrinologists
Key Takeaways
Detection & Symptoms
- • Can affect hormone production
- • Symptoms vary based on hormones affected
- • May cause no symptoms in some cases
- • Stage 4 symptoms more severe
Treatment & Management
- • Multidisciplinary team approach
- • Treatment depends on stage and spread
- • Neuroblastoma mainly affects children
- • Regular monitoring important