Adrenal Gland Cancer (Adenocarcinoma of the Adrenal Gland/Adrenocorticol carcinoma)

What is Adrenal Gland Cancer?

Adenocarcinoma is a malignant (one that can spread throughout the body) cancer of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are paired organs that sit on top of the kidneys in the back of the upper abdomen. The adrenal cortex (the outer layer of the adrenals) is part of the endorcrine system. It secretes hormones to deal with stress (glucocorticoids), hormones to deal with water, salt and blood pressure control (aldosterone) and also some sex hormones. Some cancers of the adrenal gland also produce these hormones, which in excessive amounts cause a distinctive set of symptoms.

Statistics on Adrenal Gland Cancer?

Adrenal gland cancer (Adrenocorticol carcinomas) is rare (1 in 2,000,000 of all cancers). They occur at any age including childhood, however the median age is 44 years.

Risk Factors for Adrenal Gland Cancer

The cause of adrenal gland cancer unknown.

Progression of Adrenal Gland Cancer

Adrenal gland cancer (Adrenocorticol carcinomas) tend to metastasise or spread early on. This occurs through the blood and lymph. Distant growth often occurs within the lungs and other internal organs. Metastases within bones is rare.

How is Adrenal Gland Cancer Diagnosed?

Blood and urine testing for hormone levels is used in the detection of adrenal gland cancer

Prognosis of Adrenal Gland Cancer

Adrenal gland cancer prognosis depends upon the size of the tumour and how successful surgery is in removing it. Many drenal gland cancer tumours have spread beyond the adrenals by the time they are diagnosed.

How is Adrenal Gland Cancer Treated?

Adrenal gland cancer treatment is based on a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy depending on the stage and spread of tumour. Adrenal gland cancer surgery will remove adrenals and any surrounding lymph nodes or tissues that are affected by the cancer (an Adrenalectomy). Chemotherapy uses the drug Mitotane to target the adrenal gland specifically. Radiotherapy is used to combat aggressive tumours.