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Adrenal cancer is a rare type of cancer that originates in the adrenal glands tiny, triangular organs located on top of each kidney. The glands are essential in producing hormones responsible for controlling essential body functions like metabolism, blood pressure, and the body's reaction to stress. Adrenocortical carcinoma is the most common form of adrenal cancer, which is caused by cancer starting in the outer layer of the adrenal gland (cortex). There are other forms, such as pheochromocytoma, which occurs in the medulla (inner part) of the gland, and neuroblastoma, a form more commonly occurring in children.
Treatment for adrenal cancer aims to eradicate or manage cancerous growths that start in the adrenal glands, stop them from spreading to other organs, reduce symptoms brought on by hormone overproduction, and increase long-term survival rates.
If you experience symptoms like unexplained weight gain or loss, high blood pressure, excessive hair growth, stomach pain, or hormonal imbalances, you should consult a physician. MediGence's experienced network of oncologists guarantees fast diagnosis and intervention for better results if imaging scans or blood tests indicate a tumour.
Preparation includes hormonal blood and urine tests, as well as imaging procedures (CT, MRI, PET scans) to determine whether the tumour produces hormones. Tell your healthcare team about all of your prescriptions and medical history. Pre-operative assessments, such as anaesthetic review, blood tests, and ECG, are necessary if surgery is planned.
- Diagnosis and staging: Laboratory and imaging studies help confirm the diagnosis and determine the degree of cancer metastasis. In certain situations, a biopsy might be performed.
- Surgical Removal (Adrenalectomy): In isolated cancers, the adrenal gland is removed via open or laparoscopic surgery.
- Medical therapy: When surgery is not an option or the disease has progressed, medications such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or mitotane (an adrenolytic agent) inhibit growth.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is occasionally used to reduce the size and control symptoms of inoperable tumours or after surgery.
- Follow-up Care: Routine imaging and hormone level monitoring are important to identify recurrence and control therapy adverse effects.
Depending on the technique (open or laparoscopic), surgery typically takes two to four hours, and the length of hospital stay ranges from three to seven days. Hormone balancing and recovery could take weeks. Treatment for chemotherapy or radiation therapy may take several months, with continuous monitoring.
Risks include recurrence, exhaustion, hormonal abnormalities, bleeding, infection, adrenal insufficiency, and adverse effects from mitotane or chemotherapy (e.g., liver toxicity, nausea). Bilateral adrenal ectomy may require lifelong hormone replacement treatment.
If the tumour is successfully removed, hormone levels can return to normal, symptoms can be reduced, and life expectancy can be increased. The likelihood of survival for early-stage adrenal carcinoma is better, especially if surgery is performed before the cancer spreads.
To recover, one must manage pain, take hormone therapy if required, take care of wounds, and gradually resume regular activities. Endocrinologist consultations and follow-up scans are essential.
The 5-year survival rate for localised adrenal carcinoma can be as high as 60–80% if the disease is detected early and treated quickly.
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Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad
Faridabad, India
Marengo Asia Hospitals, located in Faridabad, is a multispecialty, state-of-the-art, and patient-friendly facility that combines the greatest services available in the healthcare segment. With 325 beds now, the hospital can accommodate up to 550 beds. It has first-rate medical facilities including a Critical Care Medicine department for patients with life-threatening conditions. Furthermore, our highly skilled medical staff and cutting-edge software system make us the perfect facility for patients from various backgrounds. We always aim to exceed expectations and are always looking for ways to boost our performance.
Saudi German Hospital
Cairo, Egypt
- Saudi German Hospital, Cairo, is a leading tertiary care hospital in Egypt, delivering comprehensive, patient-centric healthcare across a wide spectrum of medical and surgical specialities.
- As part of the Saudi German Hospitals Group, the hospital combines international clinical standards with advanced medical technology to provide high-quality diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care.
- The hospital is internationally accredited and recognised for excellence in patient safety, clinical outcomes, and service quality. With access to global expertise through the Mayo Clinic Care Network, Saudi German Hospital Cairo offers multidisciplinary care supported by evidence-based practices and collaborative medical decision-making.
- Backed by highly skilled medical professionals, modern infrastructure, and a strong commitment to innovation, SGH Cairo serves both local and international patients seeking advanced medical treatments, complex procedures, and personalised care in a trusted tertiary healthcare setting.
Saudi German Hospital
Alexandria, Egypt
- Saudi German Hospital Alexandria is a modern tertiary care hospital delivering comprehensive, patient-centric healthcare across multiple medical specialities.
- Backed by the Saudi German Hospitals Group’s regional expertise and international accreditations, the hospital offers advanced diagnostics, evidence-based treatments, and high clinical safety standards.
- With state-of-the-art technology, experienced multidisciplinary teams, and strong global partnerships, it provides reliable, high-quality care to both local and international patients.
Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram
Gurgaon, India
- Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, is a 250-bed multi-speciality tertiary care hospital, formerly known as W Pratiksha Hospital.
- A major medical centre for Delhi NCR and North India, it is situated on Golf Course Extension Road, Sector 56, Gurugram.
- The hospital's NABH and NABL accreditation ensures compliance with international standards for patient care, safety, and quality.
- Provides extensive medical care in more than 21 specialities, including as women's health, neurology, orthopaedics, cardiology, and cancer.
- Advanced robotic-assisted spine surgery tools and neuro-monitoring technology are available at the Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro & Spine (MAIINS), a Centre of Excellence in Neurosciences.
- Equipped with cutting-edge equipment, such as automated labs, sophisticated imaging, and contemporary operating rooms.
- Features specialised ICUs, NICUs, and modular OTs built for complex and minimally invasive procedures.
Jaslok Hospital & Research Center
Mumbai, India
- Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai, is a 350-bed super-speciality tertiary care hospital, established in 1973 and among India’s most respected private trust hospitals.
- Located on Peddar Road in South Mumbai, overlooking the Arabian Sea, it serves as a major referral centre for Mumbai, Maharashtra, and patients from across India and abroad.
- The hospital offers comprehensive care across 50+ specialities and nearly 20 multidisciplinary speciality clinics, addressing complex and advanced medical conditions.
- Supported by 300+ senior consultants and 200 resident doctors, ensuring high standards of expertise and round-the-clock patient care.
- Equipped with 75 ICU beds, advanced critical care units, modular operation theatres, and state-of-the-art diagnostic and imaging facilities.
- Recognised as a leading centre of excellence in Critical Care, Cardiac Sciences, Neurosciences, Oncosciences, Renal Sciences, Gastroenterology, and Assisted Reproduction.
- A prominent research and academic institution, conducting clinical trials and recognised by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) in 22 specialities.
- Strong emphasis on quality, patient safety, and evidence-based care, with continuous monitoring of clinical and operational outcomes to meet international healthcare standards.
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