Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrognosisCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Coping
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Types of Adrenal Cancer
The adrenal glands are part of theendocrine system. This system’s job is to release hormones that regulate various functions such as sexual development, puberty, stress, and metabolism.
The adrenal gland is comprised of both inner and outer sections. The inner part, known as the medulla, makes stress hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline that we rely on to respond to emergencies. Meanwhile, the outer cortex makes hormones that affect metabolism and blood pressure.
Most tumors found in the adrenal glands are noncancerous.In cases where they are malignant, determining the type of adrenal cancer depends in part on where it is found in the adrenal gland.
Adrenocortical Cancer
This type originates from the outer cortex.While rare, this is the most common of cancerous adrenal tumors.The adrenal cortex is the area responsible for producing cortisol and aldosterone hormones.
Tumors here can be one of two types:
Adrenal Pheochromocytoma
This rare type of cancer involves tumors inside the medulla, which produces hormones. Most tumors that arise here are not cancerous. The medulla is the area responsible for making dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.
Neuroblastoma
While neuroblastoma can start in areas such as the neck, spinal cord, or chest, it usually begins in the adrenal gland. It develops from fetal nerve cells called neuroblasts.
Adrenal Cancer Symptoms
Someone with adrenal cancer could have just one such symptom or might have several or more of these.
While it is not clear what causes adrenal cancer, there can be a hereditary connection. This tends to run in certain families, as well as in those with a history of the following syndromes:
Just because you have been diagnosed with one of these syndromes does not mean you will develop adrenal cancer. But if you suspect you might have an adrenal tumor, be sure to discuss this with your healthcare provider.
To determine if you may have an adrenal tumor, your healthcare provider will discuss your family history and concerning risk factors, as well as any signs or symptoms you may be experiencing.
You will also likely be asked to undergo some exams, such as a blood test to determine cortisol and other hormone levels, and give a urine specimen.
Any tumor will also likely be biopsied to see if it is cancerous. It’s common to usemagnetic resonance imaging(MRI) orcomputed tomography(CT) to identify if there are tumors elsewhere.
If the tumor is still within the adrenal gland, then local treatment is possible. If it is no longer localized, however, then systemic therapy will be needed. Many times combinations of approaches may also be used, all with the goal of curing your body of cancer.
Here are some options for treating cancerous adrenal tumors:
Your healthcare provider will help you to navigate the various treatment possibilities and minimize any side effects. Be sure to discuss any concerns you may have to help determine the best approach to successfully treat any adrenal cancer you may be dealing with.
With any cancerous tumor, this may often depend on the stage at which this is detected. As a general rule, the earlier a tumor is found and the more self-contained this is, the better.
It’s not uncommon to be concerned, stressed, or even depressed when dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Talk about any worries with your healthcare provider to clarify the specifics related to your diagnosis and treatment plan. Here are some other coping strategies to try:
You will also likely do better if you feel better. Do what you can to maximize your health with practical steps such as:
A Word From Verywell
Whatever the stage, getting a diagnosis of cancer can be difficult. However, now more than ever before, there are excellent treatment options that can help to cure you of adrenal tumors. The more you educate yourself here, the more options you will have in dealing with this condition.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cedars Sinai.Adrenal cancer: Overview.MD Anderson Cancer Center.Adrenal tumors.Cleveland Clinic.Adrenal tumors.The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.Adrenal Tumors.St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.Neuroblastoma.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cedars Sinai.Adrenal cancer: Overview.MD Anderson Cancer Center.Adrenal tumors.Cleveland Clinic.Adrenal tumors.The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.Adrenal Tumors.St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.Neuroblastoma.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Cedars Sinai.Adrenal cancer: Overview.MD Anderson Cancer Center.Adrenal tumors.Cleveland Clinic.Adrenal tumors.The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.Adrenal Tumors.St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.Neuroblastoma.
Cedars Sinai.Adrenal cancer: Overview.
MD Anderson Cancer Center.Adrenal tumors.
Cleveland Clinic.Adrenal tumors.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.Adrenal Tumors.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.Neuroblastoma.
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