Cancer Adrenal – Cancer of the adrenal cortex – Carcinoma of the adrenal cortex

Description of cancer of the adrenal glands

Adrenal – two glands, located on top of each kidney. The glands produce important hormones. These hormones regulate heart rate, blood pressure, and many other vital functions. Adrenal cortex – the outer layer of these glands.

Cancer of the adrenal cortex is very rare. They make up 0.5 – 2 case for one million. In most cases, the cancer begins to produce excess hormones. The excess can alter the hormonal balance of the body.

Causes of cancer of the adrenal glands

The causes of this disease are unknown.

Risk factors for cancer of the adrenal glands

The following factors increase the risk of cancer of the adrenal glands:

• Paul: female;
• Children up to age 5 years;
• Adults 40 to 50 years;
• Adrenocortical cancer in some children may be caused by a genetic defect , but in most cases it is not a hereditary.

Symptoms of cancer of the adrenal glands

At around 40% with cancer of the adrenal cortex were no external signs. Cancer was detected either by accident, or as a result of diagnosis because of abdominal pain.

In other cases, the tumors are hormonally active. Excess hormones can cause symptoms such, as:

• High blood pressure;
• Attenuation Bone;
• Diabetes.

Other diseases, that may arise as a result of cancer of the adrenal glands include:

• Cushing's syndrome (giperkorticizm) – 30% cases. Excess cortisol, which helps the body respond to stressful situations and infections;
• Horse Syndrome (hyperaldosteronism) – 2% cases. Excess aldosterone, which helps the body maintain normal levels of sodium and potassium;
• Masculinization (20% cases). Women with cancer of the adrenal gland produces an excess of male hormones, which may reduce the voice, cause hirsutism (ilishnih growth of facial hair), and swelling of the breast or genital;
• A mixed Cushing's syndrome and masculinization – accounts 35% all cases;
• In young children with cancer of the adrenal cortex hormone excess can lead to early onset of puberty.

The above symptoms may be caused by other diseases. For an accurate diagnosis, seek medical advice.

Diagnosis of cancer of the adrenal glands

To diagnose the disease, the following tests:

• Blood tests, to determine the level of adrenal hormones;
• Urine (24 hour cortisol);
• Computed tomography of the abdomen – to make pictures of structures inside the abdomen;
• MRI of the abdomen – test, which uses magnetic waves, to make pictures of structures inside the abdomen;
• PET test (Positron Emission Tomography) using radioactive glucose, to determine the location of the tumor in the body;
• Adrenal angiography and / or venography – tests, are used contrast agent, to help confirm the presence of the tumor, that can block blood vessels;
• Roentgen – test, which uses X-rays, to take a picture of inside the body

Once cancer of the adrenal cortex is confirmed, made referral to an oncologist.

Further testing is carried out, to determine at what stage (1 – 4) It is the development of cancer. The stage of the tumor is determined by its size and distribution from the point of origin. At the time of diagnosis 30% – 85% Patients found, that cancer is rampant. The higher level, the more dangerous and difficult to cure.

Treatment of cancer of the adrenal glands

Treatment depends on the tumor stage and overall health. For the treatment of cancer of the adrenal cortex, the following methods:

Adrenalэktomiya – surgery to remove the tumor

Surgery to remove the adrenal tumor. This is the main method for the treatment of some 75% all cases. Doctors also need to remove all the surrounding tissue and lymph nodes, cancer cells which comprises.

Radiation therapy and chemotherapy

These procedures, usually, less effective in the treatment of this cancer. They are most commonly used, if the cancer is rampant. Chemotherapy may also be used, if there is a high probability of cancer recurrence.

Other therapies

• Mitotane (Hlodytan) – preparation, which is most commonly used for this type of cancer. It blocks hormone production by the adrenal glands. Mitotane also destroys adrenal cancer cells. This drug has serious side effects;
  • Particularly useful in the treatment of tumors of the adrenal cortex function;
• If mitotane not work may be used and other hormones blockers;
• Research into new medicines and radiation therapy (gene and immunotherapy). The doctor may advise to take part in one of these tests.

If treatment is successful, patient care nebhodimo undergo periodic inspection in order to avoid recurrence of cancer of the adrenal glands.

Prevention of cancer of the adrenal glands

Currently methods of prevention of cancer of the adrenal cortex unknown. Have an opinion, that a healthy lifestyle helps reduce the risk of disease.