What You Need to Know About Adrenal Cancer

Adrenal cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys. The adrenal glands play a significant role in hormone production – if cancer affects the adrenal glands, it can have a drastic impact on hormonal balance and functions throughout the body. Adrenal cancer also is quick to spread to other areas in the body, so early treatment is vital. Knowing the symptoms can help patients receive early diagnosis and treatment to obtain the best possible outcome for adrenal cancer.

What Are the Symptoms of Adrenal Cancer?

Since the adrenal glands affect hormone production, the symptoms can be widespread, which can make adrenal cancer difficult to recognize. Some patients do not have any symptoms in the early stages of adrenal cancer, only when it has reached the later stages. Symptoms of adrenal cancer may include:

• Abdominal or back pain
• Unexpected weight loss
• Muscle weakness
• Development of excess body hair
• Females may experience facial hair
• Males may develop breast tissue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Bloating in the abdominal area
• Fever

Many of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, which is why many cases of adrenal cancer go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Recognizing the signs of hormonal imbalance can indicate an issue with the adrenal glands.

Treatment for Adrenal Cancer

Treatment for adrenal cancer typically involves surgery to remove the affected adrenal gland and any nearby lymph nodes. In some cases, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be used in addition to surgery. The prognosis for adrenal cancer depends on various factors, including the stage of the disease at diagnosis and the individual’s overall health.

Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to improving the prognosis for people with adrenal cancer. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help detect the disease in its early stages, when it may be easier to treat. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthy diet and exercise routine may help reduce the risk of developing adrenal cancer.

Working closely with a healthcare provider to develop an individualized treatment plan for adrenal cancer is important. This may involve consulting with specialists such as oncologists or endocrinologists – Dmitri Alden, MD, FACS, is a world-renowned oncologist who has performed thousands of cancer surgeries over the last 20 years. In addition to medical treatment, support from friends and family can be an essential part of coping with the emotional and physical challenges of living with adrenal cancer.

Overall, while adrenal cancer is a serious disease, effective treatment options are available. By working closely with healthcare providers and making healthy lifestyle choices, individuals with adrenal cancer can improve their prognosis and quality of life.

If you believe you have symptoms of adrenal cancer, seek medical care and request testing for adrenal gland function. For those who have been diagnosed with adrenal cancer and want the best treatment possible, contact the office of Dmitri Alden, MD, FACS, in NYC, to schedule a cancer treatment consultation.