Adrenal Cancer
Overview
Adrenal cancer is a rare form of cancer that originates in the adrenal glands, two small glands located on top of each kidney. They produce hormones that regulate metabolism, blood pressure, and other essential functions. When cells in the adrenal glands mutate and grow uncontrollably, they can form a tumor and lead to adrenal cancer.
Types of Adrenal Cancer
There are two main types of adrenal cancer, each named for the part of the adrenal gland affected. Adrenocortical carcinoma affects the outer part of the gland (the adrenal cortex), while neuroblastoma affects the inner part (the adrenal medulla). Adrenocortical carcinoma is more common in adults, while neuroblastoma is more common in children.
Adrenocortical Carcinoma
Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of adrenal cancer. It can occur at any age but is most common in adults in their 40s and 50s. This type of cancer can cause a variety of symptoms, including weight gain, muscle weakness, and high blood pressure, due to the overproduction of certain hormones.
Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that often starts in the adrenal glands, although it can also develop in nerve tissue along the spine, chest, abdomen, or pelvis. It is most commonly diagnosed in children under the age of 5. Symptoms can vary widely depending on where the tumor is located and whether it has spread.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of adrenal cancer is unknown, but it may involve genetic and environmental factors. Certain inherited syndromes, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, can increase the risk of developing adrenal cancer. Other risk factors may include smoking, exposure to certain chemicals, and a history of other types of cancer.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing adrenal cancer can be challenging due to its rarity and the nonspecific nature of its symptoms. Doctors typically use a combination of blood and urine tests, imaging studies, and biopsies to make a diagnosis. Advanced techniques such as genetic testing and molecular profiling can also be used to identify specific characteristics of the tumor, which can guide treatment decisions.
Treatment
Treatment for adrenal cancer depends on the type and stage of the disease, as well as the patient's overall health. Options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. In some cases, doctors may recommend a combination of treatments.
Surgery
Surgery is the most common treatment for adrenal cancer. The goal is to remove the entire tumor and any nearby lymph nodes that may contain cancer cells. In some cases, the surgeon may also need to remove other tissues or organs that the cancer has spread to.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It can be used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells, or as a palliative treatment to relieve symptoms in patients with advanced disease.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It can be used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells, or as a primary treatment in patients with advanced disease.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically target the changes in cancer cells that allow them to grow and divide. These drugs can be more effective and cause fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.
Prognosis
The prognosis for adrenal cancer varies widely depending on the type and stage of the disease, as well as the patient's overall health. Early-stage disease can often be cured with surgery, while advanced disease is typically treated with the goal of prolonging survival and improving quality of life.
Prevention
Because the exact cause of adrenal cancer is unknown, there is currently no known way to prevent it. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding known carcinogens, and getting regular medical checkups can help reduce the risk of many types of cancer.