Anaplastic Adrenal Cancer

Published: 2009-04-01 - Updated: 2023-01-28
Author: Disabled World | Contact: Disabled World (Disabled-World.com)
Peer-Reviewed Publication: N/A
Additional References: Cancer and Tumors 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. The median survival for anaplastic adrenal cancer is five months compared to a median survival of 40 months for differentiated adrenal cancers.

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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, which expedites certain disability conditions claims.

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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.

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