Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Carcinoma of the adrenal gland is a rare cancer that needs quick action. At Liv Hospital, we focus on giving top care to those with this disease.

We’ll look at seven key facts about adrenal gland cancer. This includes symptoms and new treatments. Our goal is to offer the best care, putting patients first.

It’s vital to know the signs, how to diagnose, and treatment options for adrenal gland cancer. We’ll help you understand this rare condition better.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the rarity and importance of adrenal gland cancer
• Recognizing the symptoms and diagnosis of adrenal gland cancer
• Exploring breakthrough treatment options for adrenal gland cancer
• The role of Liv Hospital’s expertise in adrenal gland cancer care
• The importance of a patient-first mission in cancer treatment

What Is Carcinoma of Adrenal Gland?

Carcinoma of the adrenal gland is a rare cancer that affects the adrenal glands. These glands make hormones that control many body functions. They are located on top of each kidney and have two parts: the cortex and the medulla.

Definition and Prevalence

Adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare cancer of the adrenal gland’s cortex. It’s a small part of all cancers. Finding out how common it is is hard because it’s so rare.

ACC can happen at any age but is most common in people between 40 and 50. It affects women more often. Sometimes, it’s linked to genetic syndromes.

Anatomy and Function of the Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands are complex endocrine organs. They make hormones that keep the body balanced. The outer layer, or cortex, makes cortisol and aldosterone. These hormones help with stress and keeping the right balance of salts.

The inner layer, or medulla, makes adrenaline (epinephrine). This hormone helps the body react to danger. Knowing how these glands work helps us understand how cancer can harm them.

Because the adrenal glands are so important, cancer can have big health effects. It’s key to know how they work and how cancer can disrupt them.

Key Fact #1: Extreme Rarity of Adrenal Gland Cancer

Adrenal gland carcinoma is very rare, making up only 0.02% of all cancers. This rarity makes it a key area for research. It’s hard to diagnose and treat because of its rarity.

Statistical Overview

Adrenal gland cancer is a rare malignancy. To understand its rarity, let’s look at the annual incidence rates. The incidence of adrenal cortical carcinoma, a common type, is about 1-2 cases per million people per year.

This low rate makes diagnosing and managing it challenging.

We have compiled a table to illustrate the statistical overview of adrenal gland cancer:

Demographic Distribution

Adrenal gland cancer affects different people in different ways. It tends to occur more in certain age groups and genders. For example, adrenal cortical carcinoma often happens in early childhood and again in the fourth to fifth decades of life.

Females are slightly more affected than males, but the difference is not big.

We can summarize the demographic distribution as follows:

• Age: Bimodal distribution with peaks in early childhood and the fourth to fifth decades.
• Gender: Slightly more common in females.

Knowing about the demographic distribution and statistical overview of adrenal gland cancer is important. It helps doctors and patients understand this rare disease better. It also helps in developing strategies for managing it.

Key Fact #2: Types of Adrenal Gland Tumors

It’s important to know the different types of adrenal gland tumors. This knowledge helps doctors diagnose and treat them correctly. These tumors come from the adrenal gland and have unique features.

Adrenocortical Tumors

Adrenocortical tumors start in the outer layer of the adrenal gland. They can be either good or bad. Adrenocortical adenomas are the good kind. They are small and don’t make too much hormone.

Adrenocortical carcinomas are the bad kind. They can make too much hormone or grow big enough to cause problems.

Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma

Adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and aggressive cancer. It usually happens between 40 and 50 years old. ACC can make too much hormone, causing different symptoms.

We don’t know what causes ACC. But some genetic syndromes, like Li-Fraumeni syndrome, increase the risk.

Benign vs. Malignant Adrenal Neoplasms

It’s key to tell if an adrenal tumor is good or bad. Good tumors are small and don’t make too much hormone. They might not need treatment unless they cause problems.

Bad tumors need strong treatment. This can include surgery, chemo, or radiation. Doctors use images and lab tests to figure out if a tumor is bad.

Here are some main differences between good and bad adrenal tumors:

• Size: Bad tumors are usually bigger when found.
• Hormone Production: Both good and bad tumors can make too much hormone.
• Growth Pattern: Bad tumors grow into other tissues.
• Metastasis: Bad tumors can spread to other parts of the body.

We hope this info helps you understand adrenal gland tumors better. Knowing the right diagnosis and treatment is key to managing these conditions well.

Key Fact #3: Functioning vs. Non-Functioning Tumors

It’s important to know the difference between functioning and non-functioning adrenal gland tumors. This knowledge helps doctors diagnose and treat them better. Adrenal gland carcinoma, a rare disease, can be different based on if it makes hormones.

Hormone-Producing (Functioning) Tumors

Functioning tumors make too much hormone. This can cause problems like weight gain, high blood pressure, and changes in metabolism. For example, tumors that make cortisol can lead to Cushing’s syndrome. Tumors that make aldosterone can cause high blood pressure and imbalance in electrolytes. These symptoms often make people go to the doctor early, which can help find the tumor sooner.

Non-Hormone Producing Tumors

Non-functioning tumors don’t make hormones and might not show symptoms until they grow big. They can cause pain or discomfort in the belly. These tumors are often found by accident during tests for other reasons. They can be hard to find because they don’t cause hormone problems.

Clinical Significance of Tumor Classification

How tumors are classified as functioning or non-functioning matters a lot. Tumors that make hormones need treatment for both the tumor and the hormone imbalance. Non-functioning tumors are mainly treated based on their size and if they might be cancer. Knowing the type of tumor is key to making the right treatment plan and helping patients get better.

Key Fact #4: Recognizing Symptoms of Carcinoma of Adrenal Gland

It’s important to know the symptoms of adrenal gland carcinoma early. This helps in getting the right treatment. We will talk about the signs of this condition. This will help both patients and doctors spot these signs.

Hormone-Related Manifestations

Carcinoma of the adrenal gland can lead to too much hormone production. This causes different symptoms. Hormone-related changes include:

• Cushing’s syndrome from too much cortisol
• Virilization or feminization from too much androgen or estrogen
• Hypertension and hypokalemia from too much aldosterone

These symptoms can really affect a person’s life. They might make someone go see a doctor.

Mass-Effect Symptoms

Adrenal gland carcinoma can also cause mass-effect symptoms. These happen because of the tumor’s size and where it is. Symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Weight loss
• Feeling full too soon because of nearby tissue compression

The symptoms can change based on the tumor’s size and how it affects nearby tissues.

Knowing these symptoms and how they relate to the tumor is key. It helps in diagnosing and treating adrenal gland carcinoma on time.

Key Fact #5: Risk Factors and Genetic Predisposition

It’s key to know the risk factors and genetic predisposition for adrenal gland carcinoma. This knowledge helps in early detection and effective management. We look at the different factors that lead to this rare cancer.

Hereditary Syndromes Associated with Adrenal Cancer

Certain hereditary syndromes raise the risk of getting adrenal gland carcinoma. These include:

• Li-Fraumeni Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that increases the risk of many cancers, including adrenal cortical carcinoma.
• Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome: A condition that causes overgrowth and a higher risk of childhood cancer, including adrenal tumors.
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1): A hereditary condition that affects multiple endocrine glands, potentially leading to tumors in the adrenal glands.

People with a family history of these syndromes should get regular screening and genetic counseling. This helps assess their risk.

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

The exact causes of adrenal gland carcinoma are not fully known. But, some environmental and lifestyle factors might play a role. These include:

Related Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions may also contribute to the development of adrenal gland carcinoma. For example, people with a history of other cancers or certain endocrine disorders may have a higher risk.

We stress the importance of a thorough medical evaluation for those with a family history of adrenal cancer or related syndromes. Early detection can greatly improve treatment outcomes.

Key Fact #6: Comprehensive Diagnostic Approaches

To find out if you have adrenal gland cancer, doctors use many tools. They look at images, do lab tests, and take tissue samples. This helps them figure out what’s going on.

Advanced Imaging Techniques

CT scans and MRI are key for spotting adrenal gland cancer. They show where the tumor is and how big it is. This info helps doctors plan how to treat you.

• CT Scan: Gives clear pictures of the adrenal glands. It helps find tumors and see what they’re like.
• MRI: Shows detailed images. It helps tell if a tumor is bad or not based on how it looks and acts.

Laboratory Assessments

Lab tests are important for finding tumors that make too much hormone. They check hormone levels in your blood and pee. This helps doctors diagnose and keep an eye on adrenal gland cancer.

1. Blood Tests: Check hormone levels in your blood. This helps find tumors that make too much hormone.
2. Urine Tests: Look at hormone levels in your pee over 24 hours. This shows how active the tumor is.

Biopsy and Histopathological Examination

A biopsy takes a piece of the tumor for a closer look. Looking at it under a microscope is key to confirming cancer. It also shows how aggressive the cancer is.

Histopathological analysis is vital. It tells doctors what kind of tumor it is and how serious it is. This helps them decide the best treatment plan. It also gives clues about the tumor’s genes, which helps in treatment choices.

Key Fact #7: Treatment Modalities for Adrenal Gland Carcinoma

We look at the many ways to treat adrenal gland carcinoma. This condition needs a mix of treatments. Each patient gets a plan based on their tumor’s stage and type.

Surgical Management

Surgery is often the first step for treating adrenal gland carcinoma. Adrenalectomy, or removing the adrenal gland, is common. We use new surgical methods like laparoscopy to make recovery faster and safer.

Chemotherapy Regimens

Chemotherapy is used at different stages of treatment. Mitotane is a key drug for this cancer. We adjust treatment plans based on the patient’s health and tumor type.

Radiation Therapy Applications

Radiation therapy is key for treating adrenal gland carcinoma. It’s used when surgery isn’t possible or when cancer has spread. We use advanced methods like IMRT to hit tumors hard while protecting healthy tissue.

Targeted Biological Therapies

Targeted therapies are a new hope in treating this cancer. They aim at specific parts of cancer cells to stop them from growing. We’re always looking for new therapies to help our patients.

By mixing these treatments, we create a plan that fits each patient. This approach helps improve treatment results for adrenal gland carcinoma.

Staging and Prognosis of Adrenal Cancer

Getting the right stage for adrenal cancer is key for doctors to plan treatment. Knowing the disease’s spread helps figure out the patient’s chances and what treatments to use.

TNM Classification System

The TNM system is used to stage adrenal cancer. It looks at three main things: the tumor’s size and spread (T), nearby lymph nodes (N), and if the cancer has spread far (M). This helps doctors find the cancer’s stage.

TNM Classification:

Survival Rates by Stage

Survival rates for adrenal cancer depend on the stage at diagnosis. Early stages mean better chances than later stages.

Survival Rates by Stage:

Prognostic Indicators

Several factors predict how well patients with adrenal cancer will do. These include the cancer’s stage, how much of the cancer was removed, and genetic mutations.

Knowing these helps doctors give patients a clearer picture of their future. It also helps in making treatment plans.

Advanced and Experimental Treatments

The treatment for adrenal gland carcinoma is getting better, thanks to new therapies. These new methods are helping patients with this rare cancer live better lives. They offer hope and improve how well patients do.

Mitotane Therapy for Advanced Disease

Mitotane is a key treatment for advanced adrenocortical carcinoma. It has been used for years to help manage the disease, even when surgery isn’t an option. Mitotane therapy lowers steroid production in the adrenal cortex. This helps control symptoms and slow the disease’s growth.

The benefits of mitotane therapy include:

• Control of hormone production
• Potential to slow tumor growth
• Management of symptoms related to excessive hormone production

Immunotherapy Approaches

Immunotherapy is a new hope for treating adrenal gland carcinoma. It uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. Researchers are looking into different ways to use immunotherapy to treat this disease.

Immunotherapy may offer:

1. Targeted treatment with fewer side effects
2. Possibility of long-term disease control
3. Ongoing research into combination therapies to enhance effectiveness

Clinical Trials and Emerging Options

Clinical trials are key in finding new treatments for adrenal gland carcinoma. These studies test new therapies, like targeted treatments and new chemotherapy. Patients in trials get access to treatments not yet available to everyone.

Research is exploring:

• Targeted therapies aimed at specific genetic mutations
• Combination regimens that pair different treatment modalities
• Novel delivery methods to improve treatment efficacy and reduce side effects

As research keeps moving forward, we’re committed to giving patients the best treatments. By looking into these new treatments, we can offer hope and better outcomes for those with this tough disease.

Living with Adrenal Gland Cancer

Living with adrenal gland cancer means managing symptoms and treatments. It’s about keeping well-being in mind. Patients and families face many challenges.

Managing Hormone Imbalances

Managing hormone imbalances is key. Tumors can mess with hormone levels, causing symptoms. Regular checks and meds can help control these issues.

For example, those with Cushing’s syndrome might need meds to lower cortisol. Custom treatment plans are vital for better living. Our team creates plans that fit each patient’s needs.

Follow-up Care and Monitoring

Regular check-ups are essential. They include tests and exams to watch the cancer. Spotting cancer early is key to effective treatment.

These visits are also for discussing concerns. Support from healthcare and loved ones is vital. We stress the importance of keeping these appointments.

Quality of Life Considerations

Quality of life is a top priority. It’s not just about the physical but also emotional and mental health. Support from family, friends, and healthcare is critical.

Adding healthy habits like a good diet and exercise helps too. We support all aspects of a patient’s life. Our goal is to improve their life with adrenal gland cancer.

Conclusion

Understanding carcinoma of the adrenal gland is key for early detection and treatment. We’ve covered the main points about this rare condition. This includes its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Adrenal gland cancer treatment is complex. It often involves surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Early detection is critical, making awareness and education important for everyone.

At our institution, we offer top-notch healthcare for international patients. Our team creates personalized treatment plans for each patient. This ensures they get the best care for their condition.

We’re dedicated to improving our knowledge and treatments for adrenal gland cancer. This will help improve outcomes and quality of life for those affected.

References

VICC — Cancer Info: Adult Adrenocortical Carcinoma

https://vicc.org/cancer-info/adult-adrenocortical-carcinoma

Winship Cancer — Adrenal Cancer: Signs & Symptoms

https://winshipcancer.emory.edu/cancer-types-and-treatments/adrenal-cancer/signs-and-symptoms.php

Urology Health — Adrenal Gland Cancers

https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/a_/adrenal-gland-cancers

U of M Health — Adrenal Cancer Specialty Care

https://www.uofmhealth.org/our-care/specialties-services/adrenal-cancer