Adrenal Cancer Surgery
Message from Dr. Ajay Simha
A diagnosis of adrenal cancer can be challenging for patients and their families. Understanding the condition, available treatment options, and the treatment process can help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare.
I am Dr. Ajay Simha, providing adrenal cancer care at Manipal Hospitals Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru.
Each patient’s condition is evaluated carefully by considering important factors such as tumour size, location, hormone production, cancer stage, involvement of nearby structures, and overall health condition. Based on this evaluation, a personalized treatment plan is developed with a focus on safe tumour removal, effective cancer control, and maintaining overall health.
What Is Adrenal Cancer Surgery?
Adrenal cancer is a rare type of cancer that develops in the adrenal glands, which are small glands located above each kidney. The adrenal glands produce important hormones that help regulate blood pressure, metabolism, stress response, and other essential body functions. Adrenal tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Some adrenal tumours may produce excess hormones, while others may not cause hormonal changes.
Symptoms of Adrenal Cancer
The symptoms of adrenal cancer may vary depending on whether the tumour produces hormones and the size of the tumour.
Common signs and symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- A feeling of fullness in the abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Persistent fatigue
- Weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
Hormone-producing adrenal tumours may cause additional symptoms such as
Evaluation of Adrenal Cancer Surgery
Accurate diagnosis helps determine the type, size, hormone activity, and extent of adrenal cancer and guides treatment planning.
The evaluation process may include:
Hormone Testing
Blood and urine tests may be performed to assess whether the adrenal tumour is producing excess hormones.
These tests may include evaluation of:
- Cortisol levels
- Adrenaline-related hormones
- Aldosterone levels
- Other hormone markers
Imaging Tests
Imaging helps identify tumour size, location, and involvement of nearby structures.
Tests may include:
- CT scan of the abdomen
- MRI scan
- PET-CT scan in selected cases
Biopsy
A biopsy may be considered in selected situations to help determine the nature of the tumour. A detailed evaluation allows the development of a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
Treatment Options for Adrenal Cancer Surgery
Treatment for adrenal cancer depends on several factors, including the type of adrenal tumour, size, location, hormone activity, stage of cancer, involvement of nearby structures, and the overall health condition of the patient.
The treatment plan is personalized based on individual medical needs and may include surgery, hormone management, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of treatments.
Surgery
Surgery is the main treatment option for many patients with adrenal cancer, especially when the tumour is localized and can be safely removed. The primary goal of surgery is to completely remove the adrenal tumour while preserving surrounding healthy structures whenever possible.
Adrenal cancer surgery may involve:
- Removal of the affected adrenal gland
- Removal of surrounding tissues when required
- Removal of nearby lymph nodes in selected cases
- Removal of involved organs or structures when necessary to achieve complete tumour clearance
The choice and extent of surgery depend on the tumour characteristics, involvement of surrounding structures, and individual treatment requirements.
Radiotherapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to target cancer cells.
It may be considered:
- After surgery in selected cases
- For controlling tumour growth
- For managing symptoms caused by cancer spread
Radiation treatment planning is personalized based on tumour location and treatment goals.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer medicines to destroy cancer cells or control their growth.
It may be recommended for:
- Advanced adrenal cancer
- Cancer that has spread to other parts of the body
- Cases where complete surgical removal is not possible
Chemotherapy may be used alone or along with other treatments depending on individual patient requirements.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy focuses on specific changes within cancer cells that help them grow and survive. In selected adrenal cancer patients, targeted treatments may be considered based on tumour characteristics and treatment response.
The goal of targeted therapy is to control cancer growth while reducing effects on normal cells.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognise and fight cancer cells. It may be considered for selected patients depending on the type and stage of cancer, tumour characteristics, and the overall treatment plan.
Supportive Care
Supportive care is an important part of comprehensive adrenal cancer treatment. It focuses on maintaining the patient’s overall health, supporting recovery, managing treatment-related concerns, and addressing individual needs throughout the treatment process.
Nutritional Support
Nutritional support helps patients maintain adequate nutrition and strength during cancer treatment and recovery. Individual nutritional requirements are assessed based on the patient’s overall health condition and treatment needs.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can help prepare patients for surgery, support recovery after treatment, and help patients return to their previous activities of daily living.
Surgical Approaches for Adrenal Cancer Surgery
The surgical approach for adrenal cancer is selected based on tumour characteristics, complexity, and individual patient requirements. Depending on the size, location, extent, and characteristics of the tumour, open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted surgery may be considered.
Open Adrenal Cancer Surgery
Open adrenal surgery involves making an incision to provide direct access to the adrenal gland and surrounding structures.
It may be recommended for:
- Large adrenal tumours
- Invasive cancers
- Tumours involving nearby organs
- Complex surgical cases
Robotic-Assisted Adrenalectomy
Robotic-assisted adrenalectomy uses advanced surgical technology to help perform precise adrenal tumour removal.
Potential advantages may include:
- Enhanced visualisation of the surgical area
- Improved precision during dissection
- Better control during complex procedures
- Reduced tissue trauma
The suitability of robotic surgery depends on the patient’s condition and tumour characteristics.
Dr. Ajay Simha is experienced in the surgical management of adrenal tumours and adrenal cancer using appropriate surgical techniques based on tumour characteristics and individual patient needs. The goal is to achieve complete tumour removal while ensuring patient safety, protecting surrounding structures, and supporting optimal recovery and effective long-term disease management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adrenal cancer is a rare cancer that develops in the adrenal glands, which are small glands located above the kidneys that produce important hormones.
Symptoms may include abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, hormone-related changes, high blood pressure, and changes caused by excess hormone production.
Diagnosis may involve hormone tests, CT scans, MRI scans, PET-CT scans, and biopsy in selected cases.
Yes. Surgery is the main treatment option for many localized adrenal cancers where complete tumour removal is possible.
Adrenalectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the adrenal gland affected by the tumour.