Can Adrenal Cancer Be Cured? Everything You Need to Know About This Rare Disease
The adrenal glands may be small, but they play a powerful role in keeping your body balanced. These two triangular-shaped glands, sitting atop your kidneys, regulate metabolism, blood pressure, and stress response. But what happens when cancer develops in these vital organs? Adrenal gland cancer is a rare but serious condition that can disrupt hormone production and spread to other parts of the body. Understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options can help patients and caregivers navigate this condition with greater confidence.
What Is Adrenal Gland Cancer?
Adrenal gland cancer, also known as adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC), is a malignant tumor that originates in the outer layer of the adrenal glands. While some adrenal tumors are benign, cancerous tumors can grow aggressively and spread, leading to serious health complications. There are different types of adrenal masses, including:
- Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma (ACC) – The most common and aggressive form of adrenal gland cancer, often diagnosed in later stages.
- Benign Adrenal Tumors – Non-cancerous growths, such as adrenal adenomas, that do not spread but may still affect hormone production.
- Pheochromocytoma & Paraganglioma – Rare tumors that originate in adrenal tissue and may be either benign or malignant.
While adrenal cancer is rare, early detection is critical to improving survival rates and treatment success.
While adrenal cancer is rare, early detection is critical to improving survival rates and treatment success. Since adrenal tumors can sometimes spread to the bones, recognizing early warning signs of bone cancer symptoms is essential. Learn more about early signs of cancer in the bones here.
What Causes Adrenal Gland Cancer? Who Is at Risk?
The exact cause of adrenal gland cancer is still unclear, but researchers have identified several risk factors that may contribute to its development:
- Genetic Mutations – Inherited syndromes, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, increase the risk of adrenal neoplasms.
- Hormonal Imbalances – Overproduction of cortisol, testosterone, or aldosterone may indicate the presence of an adrenal gland tumor.
- Previous Cancer History – Individuals with a history of other cancers may have a higher likelihood of developing adrenal carcinoma.
- Radiation Exposure – Long-term exposure to high radiation levels may contribute to adrenal gland disease.
Because adrenal tumors impact hormone levels, they can sometimes mimic symptoms of other hormone-related cancers, such as prostate cancer. Explore how prostate cancer symptoms overlap with adrenal cancer warning signs here.
Early Symptoms of Adrenal Gland Cancer: What to Watch For
The symptoms of adrenal gland cancer can vary depending on whether the tumor is hormone-producing or non-functioning. Many cases go unnoticed until the tumor grows large enough to affect surrounding organs or disrupt hormone production. Some of the most common early symptoms of adrenal gland cancer include:
- Unexplained Weight Gain or Loss – Sudden changes in weight may be a sign of hormonal imbalances caused by an adrenal tumor.
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – Elevated aldosterone levels from an adrenal gland tumor can lead to persistent high blood pressure.
- Excessive Facial or Body Hair (Hirsutism) – Women with adrenal tumors may experience unusual hair growth due to increased androgen production.
- Severe Fatigue & Muscle Weakness – Excess cortisol production can contribute to muscle deterioration and chronic fatigue.
- Abdominal Pain or a Noticeable Lump – A growing adrenal mass may cause discomfort or become palpable in the abdomen or lower back.
If any of these symptoms persist, seeking medical advice is essential to determine whether an adrenal neoplasm is present.
How Is Adrenal Cancer Diagnosed?
Since adrenal cancer is rare, a combination of tests is used to confirm a diagnosis. Physicians typically recommend:
- Blood & Urine Tests – Measure hormone levels to check for abnormal adrenal function.
- Imaging Scans – CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans help visualize adrenal tumors and assess their size.
- Biopsy & Pathology Tests – A tissue sample may be taken to confirm whether the tumor is benign or malignant.
Once a diagnosis is confirmed, doctors classify the stages of adrenal cancer:
- Stage 1: Tumor is small and confined to the adrenal gland.
- Stage 2-3: The cancer has grown larger or spread to nearby tissues and lymph nodes.
- Stage 4: Metastatic adrenal cancer, meaning it has spread to distant organs like the liver, lungs, or bones.
Since adrenal cancer can spread to the liver, understanding liver cancer symptoms and its connection to adrenal tumors is essential. Read more about early liver cancer symptoms here.
Best Treatment Options for Adrenal Gland Cancer
Can adrenal cancer be cured? The treatment approach depends on the size, location, and stage of the tumor. If detected early, surgical removal is often the best course of action.
Surgical Options
- Adrenalectomy – The primary treatment for adrenal carcinoma, involving the removal of one or both adrenal glands.
- Laparoscopic vs. Open Surgery – Minimally invasive techniques may be used for smaller tumors, while larger masses require open surgery.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Radiation Therapy – Used for inoperable adrenal tumors or post-surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy – Typically reserved for metastatic adrenal cancer that has spread beyond the adrenal gland.
- Targeted Therapy – A newer approach that blocks specific cancer cell pathways to slow tumor growth.
For patients undergoing adrenal cancer surgery recovery, hormone replacement therapy may be required if both adrenal glands are removed.
Adrenal Gland Cancer Survival Rate & Prognosis
Survival rates depend largely on how early the cancer is detected. The adrenal gland cancer survival rate by stage is as follows:
- Stage 1: 65-75% five-year survival rate.
- Stage 2-3: 40-50% survival rate.
- Stage 4: 10-20% survival rate, although emerging treatments offer hope.
Because adrenal cancer symptoms often go unnoticed, the disease is frequently diagnosed in later stages. Early detection plays a critical role in improving prognosis and treatment success.
Life After Adrenal Cancer: Recovery & Long-Term Health
After completing treatment for adrenal gland cancer, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can enhance recovery and reduce recurrence risk.
- Nutrient-Rich Foods – Incorporating lean proteins, leafy greens, and whole grains supports adrenal function and overall health.
- Blood Pressure Management – Limiting sodium intake and staying physically active can help regulate blood pressure.
- Regular Follow-Ups – Routine imaging and hormone tests help monitor for recurrence.
- Support Groups & Mental Health Care – Joining patient support networks and practicing stress management techniques can aid in emotional recovery.
For more information on life after adrenal cancer, including diet, exercise, and emotional well-being, visit the American Cancer Society – Adrenal Cancer Survivorship Guide.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
While adrenal gland cancer is a rare diagnosis, awareness and early intervention can make all the difference. If you or a loved one experience persistent symptoms like unexplained weight changes, high blood pressure, or abnormal hormone levels, seeking medical evaluation is essential. With advancements in surgery, targeted therapy, and early detection techniques, patients have more options than ever before.
For those navigating adrenal carcinoma, knowledge is power. Stay informed, explore available treatment options, and never hesitate to ask questions. The path to recovery starts with understanding the condition—and taking the next steps with confidence.