About Adrenal Cancer

The adrenal glands are two paired organs that lie just above each kidney. They are involved in the body's ability to handle stress as well as in the regulation of electrolytes within the body. The adrenal gland consists of two parts: the adrenal medulla and the adrenal cortex. Both benign and malignant diseases can affect the adrenal gland.

The most common abnormality of the adrenal medulla is a tumor known as a pheochromocytoma. A tumor of this region of the adrenal gland is quite rare and can be associated with certain genetic syndromes such as von Hippel Lindau Syndrome, as well as some of the Muliple Endocrine Neoplasm (MEN) syndromes.

Pheochromocytomas can result in the overproduction of certain hormones in the body such as epinephrine or norepinephrine. This can result in uncontrolled elevation of one’s blood pressure (hypertension) or jitteriness. A pheochromocytoma can be diagnosed by a 24 hour urine test and an MRI of the abdomen. Rarely,
pheochromocytomas can occur outside of the adrenal gland and can be referred to as paragangliomas. A small percentage of pheochromocytomas (10%) can be malignant. Pheochromocytomas, whether benign or malignant, need to be removed surgically. This can be performed laparoscopically with only a one or two night hospital stay.

Cancer of the adrenal, also quite rare, most often affects the outer part of the adrenal gland called the adrenal cortex. This tends to be an aggressive form of cancer, but if caught early can be surgically removed for cure. Cancer of the adrenal gland can also produce hormones that can affect the body in many different ways. Often women complain of abnormal hair growth, increase in weight, easy bruising among others. A CT scan is used to make the diagnosis and surgery should be performed as soon as possible. This can also be done laparoscopically with a brief hospital stay.

If you’d like additional information about adrenal cancer, its diagnosis and care or any advice you may need concerning complementary treatment methods, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Scherr.