Adrenal Cancer
What is Adrenal Cancer?
Anatomically, the adrenal glands are located above the kidneys (one in each organ). Its main function is to produce hormones that control heart rate, blood pressure, and other important functions for the body.
Adrenal cancer that begins on the outside of the adrenal glands is known as Adrenocortical Carcinoma, while if it develops on the inside of the gland, it is called Malignant Pheochromocytoma.
Although most tumors that appear in the adrenal glands are benign (adenomas); These are often detected accidentally during a study and can remain unchanged, without manifesting symptoms, or representing a real problem for the patient.
Symptoms
During the development of adrenal cancer , one or more of the following symptoms may occur:
Loss of appetite (loss of appetite)
Sudden changes in weight (it can be loss or gain with fat accumulation in the neck and shoulders.
Nausea and vomiting
Muscle and bone weakness
Changes in blood pressure
Back pain
Abdominal swelling
Hormonal uncontrol
Diagnosis
As soon as adrenal cancer is suspected, several tests should be started to help determine its diagnosis with certainty.
Blood and urine tests
Diagnostic imaging
Laboratory study of the adrenal gland
Treatments for Pancreatic Cancer
Once the diagnosis of adrenal cancer is confirmed, the main procedure used is surgery.
However, there are other treatments that prevent growth, the recurrence of the tumor or help control symptoms, when surgery is not an option. Among these we have the following:
Surgery
Medication to prevent recurrence
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Preparing for Surgery
Before entering the operating room to perform an adrenalectomy, several preoperative studies must be done; among them, an assessment by the anesthesiologist.
Among the recommendations to patients with cancer before and even after surgery, the following are indicated:
Learn about your type of cancer and all available treatment options.
Learn about your type of cancer and all available treatment options.
Keep family or friends close who can be your emotional and practical support, before and after any treatment.
If you have a smoking habit, avoid it for a few days before surgery to avoid complications when it comes to anesthetic management.
Practice some moderate-intensity exercise, such as walking for 50 to 60 minutes a day (unless there is a medical contraindication).
Revision by an endocrinologist is critical to monitor adrenal gland function and facilitates better management of vital functions during the procedure.
Know the type of food and drinks you should consume, as well as the most convenient time to do so. You should also consider stopping supplements and medications, unless there is prior control of these by the treating doctor.
Looking for an Oncologist in Panama?
"My greatest motivation as a Surgical Oncologist in Panama is to have the opportunity to help each patient find multiple reasons to keep fighting."
Causes of Adrenal Cancer
Some studies reveal that there is no specific cause that predisposes the development of cancer in the adrenal glands. However, there are several risk factors that must be considered.
In particular, age is one of them, as there is a certain prevalence in young children (under 5 years of age) and in adults between 40 and 50 years of age.
Although cell mutation is the main cause of this type of cancer, it is not known exactly what causes it.
In turn, other hereditary risk factors are added, based on syndromes that pass from generation to generation, among which we have:
- Lynch syndrome
- Carney Complex
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1
- Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
Importance of Early Detection of Adrenal Cancer
When Adrenal Cancer Screening occurs during the initial stage, the chances of cure of the patient are greater. Conversely, if the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body, the chances decrease.
Similarly, as we have already mentioned, most tumors in the adrenal glands are benign; so it is important to analyze any evidence that exists to proceed accordingly.
Stages of Adrenal Cancer
Each stage of cancer involves a degree of complication, but it is also necessary to identify and apply the specific treatment that provides the greatest benefit to the patient.
Stage I
Stage II
Stage III
Stage IV
How to prevent adrenal cancer?
Despite the many studies carried out in this area, unfortunately there is currently no specific way to prevent cancer of the adrenal glands.
In fact, among the actions that could be taken into account to act early, it is extremely important to go to the doctor in case of discomfort (any of the symptoms present) or to observe a suspicious image casually in imaging studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
In these answers you can expand your knowledge of the topic and share information with those who may need it.
At what stage does adrenal cancer become terminal?
The stage in which the decay of all body functions is evident due to metastasis is stage IV.
Is adrenal cancer hereditary?
There are a large number of mutations, which can be hereditary or acquired.
Even so, the development of adrenal cancer does not have any scientific evidence to confirm the existence of a hereditary pattern, although there is some association with some hereditary syndromes.
What is the life expectancy of adrenal cancer?
Adrenal cancer has a high malignant potential that offers a very low prognosis of life.
Therefore, it usually spreads at a distance in a short time; metastasizing to the liver, kidneys, lungs, and large blood system (renal vein and vena cava).
Finally, this dissemination occurs in about 82% of cases, which translates into a median survival of 15 months.
Insurance We Work With
