Here's a straightforward overview of adrenal cancer, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Adrenal cancer has no known cause. However, certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing the disease. These risk factors include:
Certain hereditary syndromes, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, are associated with an increased risk of adrenal cancer. Genetic predisposition: Some individuals may inherit genetic mutations that increase their risk of developing adrenal cancer.
Radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis: Radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis may increase the risk of developing adrenal cancer later in life.
Although it can occur at any age, adrenal cancer is more common in adults between the ages of 40 and 50.
Women are slightly more likely to develop adrenal cancer than men.
Adrenal cancer symptoms may vary depending on the location and size of the tumor, as well as whether it produces excess hormones. Common symptoms include:
If the tumor grows large enough to press on nearby organs or structures, abdominal pain may occur.
Despite normal eating habits or appetite, weight loss may occur unintentionally.
The effects of cancer and its effects on the body may cause persistent fatigue or weakness.
Adrenal tumors can produce excess hormones, leading to symptoms such as high blood pressure (hypertension), changes in menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), or feminization or masculinization.
If the cancer has spread (metastasized) to nearby lymph nodes, enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen or elsewhere in the body may occur.
Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal fullness, or a palpable mass in the abdomen may also occur.
It is possible to diagnose adrenal cancer based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging studies, and laboratory tests. Diagnostic assessments may include:
Physical examination and medical history: An assessment of symptoms, medical history, and risk factors, followed by a physical examination for signs of adrenal tumors.
CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, or ultrasounds may be performed to visualize the adrenal glands and detect tumors or metastases.
To confirm the diagnosis of adrenal cancer, a pathologist may perform a tissue biopsy to obtain a sample of the tumor.
Depending on the size and stage of the tumor, as well as the individual's overall health and preferences, adrenal cancer treatment may include:
When an adrenal tumor is localized and has not spread to other organs, surgery is often the primary treatment for adrenal cancer.
In addition to surgery, chemotherapy can be used before or after surgery to shrink tumors, destroy remaining cancer cells, or relieve symptoms.
In cases where surgery cannot completely remove a tumor, radiation therapy may be used to destroy cancer cells.
The use of targeted therapies, such as molecularly targeted drugs or immunotherapy, can inhibit the growth or spread of cancer cells in certain cases.
As adrenal cancer is not fully understood, there are currently no specific prevention measures available to prevent it from developing. It is possible, however, to improve outcomes for individuals diagnosed with adrenal cancer by detecting suspicious symptoms and treating them promptly. Additionally, individuals with a family history of adrenal cancer or known genetic mutations associated with the disease may benefit from genetic counseling and screening.
