Adrenal Cancer Treatment in Delhi, India

The adrenal glands are small, triangle-shaped organs located on top of each kidney. They release hormones that play a key role in controlling essential body functions, including metabolism, immunity, blood pressure, and stress response. Each gland consists of two sections: the cortex (outer layer) and the medulla (inner layer), with each section producing different hormones.

What is Adrenal Cancer?

Adrenal cancer is a rare condition that begins in the adrenal glands, typically in the outer layer known as the adrenal cortex. The most common form is adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). It can grow quickly and may lead to hormone overproduction. This cancer is rare but can affect both children (especially under 5 years) and adults (mainly in their 40s or 50s). Inherited conditions and genetic mutations can raise the risk.

Types of Adrenal Cancer

1. Adrenocortical Adenomas

These are non-cancerous tumors that remain confined within the adrenal gland.

2. Adrenocortical Carcinomas

These are cancerous tumors that may spread to other parts of the body.

Adrenal Cancer Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on hormone production by the tumor:

• Abdominal pain or back pain: Tumor growth can cause constant discomfort in the belly or lower back.
• Unintended weight loss: Sudden weight drop may result from cancer affecting body metabolism.
• Hormonal changes (e.g., high BP, facial hair growth): Excess hormone release may trigger visible or internal body changes.
• Fatigue and weak muscles: Body weakness can occur due to hormone imbalance or cancer’s effect on energy levels.
• Nausea and vomiting: Tumor pressure or hormonal effects may upset the digestive system.

Adrenal Cancer Causes

The exact cause is not known, but factors include:

• Gene mutations: Faulty changes in DNA can cause abnormal cell growth in the adrenal glands.
• Chemical exposure: Long-term contact with harmful substances may raise cancer risk.
• Hereditary syndromes: Rare genetic disorders like Li-Fraumeni syndrome are linked to higher risk.
• Unknown reasons: In many cases, the exact cause remains unclear.

Adrenal Cancer Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves several steps:

1. Imaging scans (CT/MRI)

Help spot and measure tumors and check if they’ve spread.

2. Hormone blood/urine tests

Detect abnormal hormone levels that indicate adrenal issues.

3. Biopsy

In Biopsy, a sample of tumor tissue is taken and examined to confirm cancer.

4. Cancer staging tests

Determine how far cancer has spread to decide on the best treatment.

Adrenal Cancer Treatment

Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and may include:

1. Surgery

The main treatment to remove the tumor and affected adrenal gland.

2. Chemotherapy

In Chemotherapy, drugs are used to destroy the cancer cells in the body.

3. Radiation therapy

In Radiation therapy, high radiation is used to destroy cancer cells or reduce the size of tumors.

4. Targeted therapy

In Targeted therapy, Focused drugs block specific signals that help cancer grow.

Complications of Adrenal Cancer

Potential complications include:

• Spread to other body parts: Cancer may move to the lungs, liver, bones, or lymph nodes.
• Hormone-related problems: Overproduction can cause conditions like high blood sugar or pressure.
• Treatment side effects: Therapies may cause issues like tiredness, infection, or nausea.

Risk Factors Associated With Adrenal Cancer

Factors that increase the risk include:

• Age: Mostly affects young children and adults aged 40 to 50.
• Gender: Women may have a slightly higher chance of developing adrenal tumors.
• Family history: Genetic conditions passed in families can increase risk.
• Exposure to toxins or radiation: Contact with certain chemicals or radiation may be harmful.

Prevention Tips of Adrenal Cancer

While prevention is challenging due to unknown causes, steps include:

• Regular health check-ups: Help detect tumors early before they spread.
• Avoid harmful chemicals: Limit exposure to known cancer-causing agents.
• Genetic counseling: Useful for those with a family history of adrenal or other cancers.
• Healthy habits: A balanced diet, exercise, and no smoking can support overall health and possibly lower risk.

Conclusion

Though adrenal cancer is rare, it can grow quickly and affect hormone levels significantly. Being aware of symptoms and risks is key to early detection. Modern treatments have improved survival chances, and regular follow-ups are important after treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can adrenal cancer be prevented?

Not entirely, but healthy living and early screening can lower the risk.

2. Is adrenal cancer inherited?

Certain individuals may inherit genetic mutations that raise their risk of developing this type of cancer.

3. How does adrenal cancer spread?

It can travel to nearby organs or through the blood to distant body parts.

4. Can adrenal cancer come back after treatment?

Yes, which is why regular check-ups are essential even after successful treatment.

5. Does adrenal cancer affect hormone levels?

Yes, tumors may make excess hormones that cause serious health issues.

6. Can children get adrenal cancer?

Yes, though rare, it can occur in young children and often behaves differently than in adults.

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