Anaplastic Adrenal Cancer

Author: Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2009/04/01 - Updated: 2023/01/28

Contents: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Related Publications

Synopsis: Anaplastic Adrenal Cancer is a sub-type of adrenal cancer which shows virtually no cellular differentiation.

CT and MRI imaging are used to diagnose adrenal lesions, but a biopsy is required for a definite diagnosis.

Introduction

Adrenocortical cancers (ACs) are uncommon malignancies that can have protean clinical manifestations. Adrenocortical masses are common; autopsy studies show that approximately 5-15% of the general adult population may have adrenal incidentalomas. Anaplastic Adrenal Cancer is a sub-type of adrenal cancer that shows virtually no cellular differentiation. It is not associated with the overproduction of hormones as in other adrenal carcinomas. Abdominal pain is a presenting symptom.

The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) has included Anaplastic Adrenal Cancer - with distant metastases or inoperable, resectable or recurrent as a Compassionate Allowance to expedite a disability claim.

Main Content

Adrenocortical Cancer Alternate Names:

• Adrenal Carcinoma
• Anaplastic Adrenal Cancer
• Adrenocortical carcinoma
• Adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC)
• Adrenal cortex cancer

Regardless of size, approximately 1 per 1500 adrenal tumors are malignant. The evaluation of these incidentalomas, therefore, focuses on

• (1) identifying functional masses and treating them appropriately (including surgical removal).
• (2) identifying adrenal carcinomas early, with the intent of attempting complete surgical extirpation.
• (3) reassuring the patients who do not fit either of these classes and arranging for their subsequent follow-up.

CT and MRI imaging are used in the diagnosis of adrenal lesions, but a biopsy is required for a definite diagnosis.

Radical surgical excision is the treatment for individuals with localized malignancies and remains the only method by which long-term disease-free survival may be achieved.

Median survival for anaplastic adrenal cancer is five months compared to a median survival of 40 months for differentiated adrenal cancers.

Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.