Adrenal Cancer

Overview

At Mayo Clinic, physicians trained in several disciplines provide compassionate, state-of-the-art care for patients with adrenal cancer. The adrenal cancer care team includes specialists from endocrinology, oncology, radiation oncology, and surgery. Physicians work with each patient to develop an optimal treatment plan. Adrenal cancer patients also have access to the resources of the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center. Designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute, Mayo Clinic ranks in the top tier of cancer centers in the United States for cancer research. Basic and clinical research studies enhance the ability to provide the most advanced treatments available.

Diagnosis

Positron emission tomography (PET) scans and other high-resolution imaging techniques enable physicians to effectively diagnose malignant adrenal tumors. Read more about diagnosis of adrenal tumors.

Treatment Options

Surgical techniques available at Mayo Clinic to treat adrenal cancer include laparoscopic adrenalectomy, which typically requires a shorter hospital stay for the patient compared to other surgeries. For cancers considered too large for safe laparoscopic removal, experienced surgeons perform several other conventional procedures. Physicians at Mayo Clinic also use the latest advances in radiation, chemotherapy and radiofrequency ablation to treat patients with adrenal cancer. Read more about treatment options for adrenal cancer.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota

About Adrenal Tumors

The adrenal glands sit above each kidney. These small, triangular, golden glands have two distinct layers. The outer layer (cortex) produces cortisol, aldosterone and androgenic hormones, and the inner layer (medulla) secretes adrenaline and related compounds. Tumors of the adrenal gland can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Some develop in the adrenal glands (primary tumors), whereas others spread to the adrenal gland from another organ (metastatic cancer). In the United States, about 250 malignant adrenal gland cancers occur each year, although benign adrenal tumors are common in people over age 40.