Are you aware of adrenal cancer? Let's talk about it simply.

Sometimes we don't pay much attention to certain changes in our bodies, for example, sudden weight gain, increased body hair, or extreme fatigue, right? But these can be signs of a problem with two small glands inside our bodies, the adrenal glands. Although this is a bit of a serious topic, don't be afraid. Awareness is the most important thing. Today we are talking about a cancer condition related to these adrenal glands.

What is adrenal cancer?

Simply put, this belongs to a group of cancers that can develop in the glands that produce hormones in our body. These are called neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Adrenal cancer develops in our adrenal glands. Think of it this way, there are two small glands on top of our kidneys, like two hats. These are what we call the adrenal glands. Cancer can develop in one or both of these glands.

These glands produce hormones , or chemicals, that control many important things in our bodies. For example, our blood pressure, hair growth, sex drive, and even how we deal with stress depend on these hormones. Some adrenal gland tumors start to produce their own hormones.

This tumor can start in the outer layer of the gland, which doctors call the ``cortex``. Or, it can start in the middle part of the gland, which is called the ``medulla``.

In most cases, the lump may be quite large by the time you develop symptoms. But don't worry, there are many treatments available to fight this cancer. The most important thing is to talk openly about it with your doctor and to talk to your family and friends about it and get their support. They will be a great source of strength on your health journey.

What are the symptoms of this disease?

When the tumor is small, you may not notice any symptoms. But as it grows, the following symptoms may appear due to changes in various hormone levels. Let's see what these are.

What are the causes and risk factors for adrenal cancer?

There is no clear reason why some people develop these lumps. However, if you have one of the following genetic conditions, your risk of developing this cancer is slightly higher.

• Li-Fraumeni syndrome
• Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
• Carney complex
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia
• Familial adenomatous polyposis
• Lynch syndrome

Are there types of adrenal cancer?

Yes, adrenal gland tumors can be divided into two main categories: malignant and benign. These are named based on where they start.

Malignant tumors

• Adrenocortical carcinoma: This starts in the outer layer (cortex) of the gland. This type of tumor produces a large amount of hormones.
• Malignant adrenal pheochromocytoma: This is a very rare cancer that starts in the middle part of the gland (medulla).
• Neuroblastoma: This also starts in the midbrain and is most commonly seen in children.
• Malignant paraganglioma: This can develop inside or outside the adrenal gland.

Non-cancerous (benign) lumps

• Adenoma: These can sometimes produce excess cortisol, a condition we call ``Cushing's syndrome''.
• Benign pheochromocytoma
• Benign paraganglioma

How to diagnose this disease? (Diagnosis)

If you have symptoms or if you have risk factors for this cancer, your doctor will order several tests to confirm whether there is a lump. These tests can also determine the stage of the cancer and whether it has spread to other organs.

• Physical examination and medical history: The doctor will ask about your health habits and past medical conditions.
• Blood and urine tests: These check if your body is producing too many sex hormones or steroids. For example, they check for low potassium levels or high cortisol or estrogen levels.
• Imaging tests: Scans are used to look for lumps or cancer cells. These can include X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans.
• Laparoscopy: In this, a very thin tube with a small camera attached is inserted into the body to observe where the cancer is growing.
• Biopsy: A small sample of tissue is taken using a needle and examined under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present.

What are the treatments?

Considering your condition and overall health, your doctor will recommend the treatment plan that is most suitable for you.

• Surgery: This may be the only treatment that can provide a complete cure. Your doctor may decide to remove one or both of your adrenal glands. If the cancer has spread, nearby lymph nodes may also need to be removed.
• Radiation therapy: This treatment is used to kill cancer cells or stop the growth of a tumor. It is sometimes given after surgery.
• Medications: The most common medication prescribed is a drug called `mitotane (Lysodren).` It blocks the production of hormones by the adrenal glands and destroys cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: This involves giving drugs that travel throughout the body and kill cancer cells. However, these can also damage healthy cells.
• Targeted therapy: These drugs target and destroy only cancer cells, without harming healthy cells.
• Tumor ablation: This is a method of destroying cancer cells using extreme heat or extreme cold for those who are too ill to undergo surgery or when the cancer has spread.

Whatever treatment you choose, take care of your body as well as your mind. Ask your doctor about support groups where you can talk to others who are going through the same thing as you.

What is the outlook for the disease?

Your future health depends on several factors, including your age, the size of the tumor when it is diagnosed, and whether or not the tumor produces hormones.

According to statistics, about 73 out of 100 people who are treated before the cancer spreads beyond the adrenal glands will live for 5 years or more. If it has spread to nearby tissues or organs, that number drops to about 53% out of 100. If it has spread to distant parts of the body, that number drops to about 38% out of 100.

Adrenal Cancer, Adrenal Cancer, Hormones, Adrenal Glands, Cortisol, Cancer Symptoms, Cancer Treatment