Clinical trials play an important role in improving cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. For some patients, taking part may offer access to new therapies that are not yet widely available. Your care team can help determine whether a clinical trial may be an option and explain what participation involves.
What is Adrenal Cancer?
Adrenal cancer affects the adrenal glands, small organs located above each kidney. These glands produce hormones that help regulate blood pressure, stress response, metabolism and other key body functions. Cancer develops when their cells begin to grow and divide abnormally, forming a tumor. Most cases start in the adrenal cortex, the outer layer of the gland.
Adrenal cancer is rare and often unfamiliar. If you or a loved one is facing a diagnosis, LifeBridge Health’s cancer specialists can help explain what this condition involves, review treatment options and guide next steps with care.
Adrenal Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of adrenal cancer may vary based on the tumor’s size and how it affects hormone production.
Possible signs include:
- Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
- High blood pressure
- Muscle weakness
- Excess facial or body hair
- Deepening of the voice
- Belly or back pain
- Changes in blood sugar levels
- Easy bruising
In some cases, patients won’t experience symptoms at all.
How Adrenal Cancer is Diagnosed
There are no routine screenings for adrenal cancer. Evaluation usually begins when symptoms raise concern or when an adrenal mass is found during imaging done for another reason. From there, several tests can help your provider confirm a diagnosis and guide next steps.
Blood and Urine Tests
These tests are used to measure hormone levels and look for signs that the adrenal glands are producing too much of them.
Imaging Tests
CT scans, MRIs or PET scans all create detailed images of the adrenal glands and help providers see the size and location of a tumor.
Biopsy
In rare cases, a tissue sample is taken for review under a microscope.
Adrenal Cancer Treatment Options
Your treatment plan will depend on the size of the tumor, whether it has spread and your overall health. At LifeBridge Health, specialists in surgical, medical and radiation oncology work together to create a care plan that fits your needs.
Surgery
Surgery is often the main treatment for adrenal cancer. Depending on the tumor’s size and location, your surgeon may remove only the tumor or the entire adrenal gland and nearby lymph nodes.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. It may be used after surgery or to help relieve symptoms.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medication to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It may be recommended alongside other treatments.
Immunotherapy
In some cases, medications can be used to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy focuses on specific parts of cancer cells that help them grow. This approach helps limit damage to healthy cells.
Clinical Trials
Supportive Services
When you receive cancer care at LifeBridge Health, you have access to supportive services like counseling, integrative therapies and support groups. These resources are designed to help patients care for their physical and emotional well‑being throughout treatment and beyond.