Adrenal Cancer
Cancer Type
What is Adrenal Cancer?
One or both of the tiny, triangular glands (called adrenal glands) that sit atop your kidneys can develop into the uncommon illness known as adrenal cancer. Almost all of your body's tissues and organs receive instructions from the hormones the adrenal glands generate. People of all ages are affected by adrenal cancer, sometimes referred to as adrenocortical cancer. However, those in their 40s and 50s, as well as young children, are the most likely to be affected. Most growths in the adrenal glands are benign (non-cancerous). Benign adrenal tumors can also arise, including adenoma and pheochromocytoma.
If adrenal cancer is discovered early, there may be a chance for recovery. However, there is less chance of a cure if the cancer has spread to the adrenal glands. The disease's progression or recurrence can be prevented with treatment. Medica's oncology department has over 30 years of combined clinical excellence, which allows them to specialize in offering top-notch cancer treatment. With the assistance of a group of exceptionally talented reconstructive surgeons and the most recent advancements in cancer treatment technologies, our oncologists and onco-surgeons treat every patient, adult and pediatric, comprehensively and using a multidisciplinary approach to treat all kinds and forms of cancer.
Types Adrenal Cancer
Adrenal cancer can be classified into three types:
This is the most frequent type of adrenal cancer, also known as adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC) or adrenal cortex cancer. It normally starts in the cortex’s outer layer and isn’t noticed until the tumor has become rather large. This type of cancer is frequently diagnosed after the start of symptoms, such as pain or a feeling of fullness, which leads to weight loss. Excess hormones produced by adrenocortical carcinomas can lead to weight gain, facial hair growth, and early puberty. It is commonly thought that an adrenal tumor greater than 5 to 6 centimeters is cancerous.
This type of adrenal cancer affects infants and children under the age of ten and is found in developing nerve cells of the medulla. Early detection is achievable due to the unique nature of the cells. However, because the cells can spread swiftly, it may be difficult to establish the source in some cases. According to the American Cancer Society, one out of every three neuroblastomas starts in the adrenal glands.
This type of adrenal cancer develops in the medulla’s core region and is usually caused by adrenaline-producing cells. Adrenaline aids in the regulation of vital body functions such as heart rate and blood pressure. This sort of tumor can cause high blood pressure, profuse sweating, a racing heart, and anxiety.
Symptoms
The following are some of the signs and symptoms of adrenal cancer:
Causes
The cause of adrenal cancer is unknown.
Cancer arises when something modifies (mutates) the DNA of an adrenal gland cell. A cell's instructions on what to perform are encoded in its DNA. A mutation can give a cell instructions to grow out of control and to survive while healthy cells would perish. When the abnormal cells group together, a tumor is created. Metastasis is the division of tumor cells into separate cells that go to different parts of the body.
Other Risk Factors
People with genetic disorders that enhance the risk of various cancers are more likely to develop adrenal cancer. Among the hereditary syndromes are:
Stages
The stage and course of treatment for adrenal cancer are determined by the size of the tumor and the extent of disease dissemination. Stages of adrenal cancer are categorized as follows:
Diagnosis
The prognosis for head and neck cancer is favorable if detected early. Your doctor may conduct a physical examination and order a diagnostic test while diagnosing you.
The following tests and methods are used to diagnose adrenal cancer:
Treatment
The most typical method of treating adrenal cancer is to remove the entire tumor surgically. To prevent the cancer from coming back, alternative treatments may be used if surgery is not an option.