Adrenal Cancer Information

• Publish Date: 2009/04/01 - (Rev. 2009/07/20)
• Author: Sally Rider

Outline: Adrenal Cancer forms in the outer tissue layer of the adrenal gland.

Main Digest

Adrenal Cancer forms in the outer tissue layer of the adrenal gland. Adrenocortical Carcinoma is also called Cancer of the Adrenal Cortex.

Alternate names: Adrenal Carcinoma, Adrenocortical Carcinoma, Adrenocortical Cancer, Cancer of the Adrenal Cortex, Carcinoma of the Adrenal Cortex

A tumor of the adrenal cortex may be functioning (producing excess hormones) or non-functioning (not producing hormones).

Individuals with the hereditary diseases LiFraumeni Syndrome, Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome, and Carney Complex are at risk for Adrenal Cancer.

The following may be used to diagnose the disease:

x-rays, MRI, CT scan, and laboratory tests including blood and urine analysis.

Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy. Treatment for inoperable or unresectable tumors can be utilized for palliation, but the prognosis is poor.

The 5-year survival rate for inoperable or unresectable tumors is less than 10%.