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Adrenal Gland Cancer
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Endocrine System

Adrenal Gland Cancer

Adrenal gland tumors can be benign or malignant, and while most are non-cancerous, understanding the different types and treatments is essential for managing these disorders.

Overview

Your adrenal, or suprarenal, glands are located on the top of each kidney. These glands produce hormones that you can't live without, including sex hormones and cortisol, which helps you respond to stress and has many other functions.

Tumors and Cancer

A number of disorders can affect the adrenal glands, including tumors. Tumors can be either benign or malignant. Benign tumors aren't cancer, while malignant ones are. Most adrenal gland tumors are benign; they usually do not cause symptoms and may not require treatment. Malignant adrenal gland cancers are uncommon.

Types of Tumors

  • Adrenocortical carcinoma - cancer in the outer part of the gland
  • Neuroblastoma - a type of childhood cancer
  • Pheochromocytoma - a rare tumor that is usually benign

Treatment

Symptoms depend on the type of cancer you have. Treatments may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Diagnosis starts with abdominal imaging—CT or MRI—to assess size, shape, and local invasion. Blood and urine tests for hormone levels (cortisol, aldosterone, catecholamines) help determine functional status. A biopsy is rarely done because it can spread tumor cells; instead, imaging characteristics and hormone profiles guide the diagnosis.
Surgery is the first line if the tumor is localized and resectable; a complete adrenalectomy offers the best chance of cure. If the cancer is advanced or metastatic, chemotherapy (often with etoposide and cisplatin) or targeted agents may be added. Factors such as tumor size, invasion of nearby organs, hormone secretion, and patient health determine whether surgery alone, surgery plus adjuvant therapy, or systemic therapy is appropriate.
drenal cancers often present with more pronounced or progressive symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, abdominal or back pain, hypertension that is resistant to medication, or signs of hormone overproduction (e.g., rapid onset of high blood sugar, virilization in women, or Cushing‑like features). If any of these occur, imaging and hormonal work‑up are usually ordered.
Early‑stage disease (confined to the gland without metastasis) has a 5‑year survival rate of roughly 60‑70 %. Prognosis drops sharply with local invasion or distant spread, underscoring the importance of early detection and complete surgical removal.===
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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