Adrenal Cancer

A combination of imaging studies and hormone testing is used:

• Ultrasound: Helps distinguish solid from cystic adrenal masses; useful as an initial screening tool.
• CT scan: Provides detailed information on size, shape, and local invasion.
• MRI: Helpful when CT findings are inconclusive in differentiating benign from malignant tumors.
• Bone scan: Used to detect bone metastases.
• MIBG scan: Useful in diagnosing functional adrenal tumors such as pheochromocytoma.
• PET-CT: Highly sensitive imaging for many cancers; its role in adrenal cancer continues to be studied.
• Blood and urine tests: Measure hormone levels or suppression responses to determine whether the tumor is functional.

Surgery (Adrenalectomy):

• The only potentially curative treatment when the tumor is confined to the adrenal gland.
• Complete surgical removal is essential.

Advanced disease:

• Adrenocortical carcinoma tends to be aggressive, often spreading to lymph nodes, liver, lungs, or bones.
• When surgery cannot completely remove the tumor, systemic therapies such as chemotherapy (e.g., mitotane, platinum-based regimens) or investigational treatments may be considered.
• Radiation therapy is sometimes used for palliation but is less effective for controlling the disease.