Adrenal Cancer
Adrenal Cancer is a rare cancer that begins in the adrenal glands (two small glands located on top of each kidney). These glands produce hormones that regulate essential body functions such as metabolism, blood pressure, and stress response.
Early symptoms of adrenal cancer may be subtle or mistaken for other conditions. These can include unexplained weight gain or loss, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, excessive hair growth (especially in women), changes in libido, or abdominal pain. Symptoms often depend on whether the tumor is producing excess hormones (functioning tumor) or not.
Diagnosis and staging typically involve blood and urine tests to check hormone levels, imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs, and sometimes a biopsy. However, adrenal tumors are often removed without biopsy due to the risk of spreading cancer cells.
Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and whether the tumor is producing hormones. Options may include surgery (especially adrenalectomy, the removal of the adrenal gland), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or medications that block hormone production.
Types of adrenal cancer include:
- Adrenocortical Carcinoma (ACC): The most common malignant adrenal tumor. It starts in the outer layer (cortex) of the adrenal gland. ACC can be aggressive and may produce excess hormones like cortisol or androgens.
- Pheochromocytoma (Malignant): A rare cancer that starts in the inner part (medulla) of the adrenal gland. It may produce adrenaline and cause symptoms like high blood pressure, sweating, and anxiety.
- Neuroblastoma: A cancer mostly affecting children, which can begin in the adrenal medulla. It’s a different type of cancer from those typically found in adults.
- Metastatic Adrenal Tumors: Sometimes, cancers from other parts of the body (like lung, breast, or kidney) can spread (metastasize) to the adrenal glands.
Because adrenal cancer is rare and often aggressive, early detection and expert care are crucial.
For more information about adrenal cancer, please visit the organizations listed below.
SaveGeneral Cancer Programs
PEN created these programs to help explain parts of the cancer journey.
Debunks myths about clinical trials and provides patients with knowledge and confidence to feel well-informed when discussing treatment options with their healthcare team
Topics:
- The Basics: Understanding Clinical Trial Research
- Understanding Common Misconceptions
- Clinical Trial Safety
- Clinical Trials 101 Resource Guides
As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes oncology, DECODE empowers cancer patients and families with clear, practical insights into AI and other emerging healthcare technologies, breaking down how these innovations are transforming cancer care and helping them navigate AI-driven advancements with confidence.
Components:
- Podcasts
- Downloadable Resource Guides
Provides digital literacy skills training with a series of easy-to-follow video modules, coupled with resource guides to educate you on technology and online support tools.
Helps women living with cancer understand the impact on their overall health, including fertility, hormones and sexual wellbeing while enabling informed conversations with their healthcare team about potential options and support.
Information on completing cancer care with actionable steps to engage in key discussions and plan for life after treatment.
Topics:
- Understanding Survivorship
- Advice for Future and Follow-Up Care
Having cancer or caring for someone with cancer can feel really lonely and extremely isolating. We created PEN-Powered Activity Guides to help you cope, relax, and, hopefully, feel a little less overwhelmed.
Focuses on wellness during cancer treatment and post cancer treatment.
Topics:
- Lifestyle
- Diet and Healthy Eating
- Supportive Care
Advocacy program focusing on culturally competent whole-person healthcare, treating the whole-patient in tandem with existing care.
What You Need to Know Before Choosing a Cancer Treatment
Advocacy program focusing on culturally competent whole-person healthcare, treating the whole-patient in tandem with existing care.
External Resources
Organizations for Adrenal Cancer
Looking for more information?
Sign up to receive the latest news, programs and events delivered to your inbox. Let us know what your interests are so we can provide only the most relevant information for you.