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Adrenal cancer

Draft of an educational disease atlas for adrenal cancer

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MONDO:0002817Public QA completeSource-bound · 4

Disease at a glance

Start with the essentials, then explore the patient and research views.

Public revision · 90cd0cf970e6

Disease category
Adrenal cancer refers to malignant tumors arising in the adrenal glands and may include adrenocortical carcinoma, neuroblastoma, etc.
Key mechanism
In most cases, a single cause is not identified, but some may be associated with hereditary tumor syndromes or genetic changes in cells.
Main causes/related factors
The adrenal glands produce important hormones such as cortisol and sex hormones; tumors can secrete excessive amounts of hormones or grow into surrounding tissues.
Representative patterns
Clinical manifestations vary depending on the type of tumor and whether it secretes hormones; abdominal discomfort, masses, or symptoms of hormone excess may appear, or there may be no symptoms.
Individual differences
Risk and prognosis may vary depending on age, tumor type and extent, hormone secretion, genetic background, and overall health status.
Diagnosis
Benign adrenal tumors are often asymptomatic, but malignant tumors can cause pain, compressive symptoms, or organ dysfunction as they grow or metastasize.
Management
Diagnosis is made by comprehensively integrating hormone tests, imaging studies, and, when necessary, tissue biopsies and pathological evaluations based on medical history and physical examination.
Treatment/Research Status
The presence of an adrenal mass on imaging does not immediately imply cancer; it must be interpreted by distinguishing between benign tumors and hormone-secreting tumors.
Read Evidence
Management is planned by jointly considering the malignancy of the tumor, stage, hormonal function, resectability, and the patient's condition.
Key Precautions
Treatment options may include surgery, anticancer chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, with the actual choice depending on the tumor characteristics and stage.

For patients and families

A structured guide for understanding the disease and preparing for clinical conversations.

At a Glance

Adrenal cancer refers to malignant tumors arising in the adrenal glands and may include adrenocortical carcinoma, neuroblastoma, etc.

Clinical manifestations vary depending on the type of tumor and whether it secretes hormones; abdominal discomfort, masses, or symptoms of hormone excess may appear, or there may be no symptoms.

How the disease works

In most cases, a single cause is not identified, but some may be associated with hereditary tumor syndromes or genetic changes in cells.

The adrenal glands produce important hormones such as cortisol and sex hormones; tumors can secrete excessive amounts of hormones or grow into surrounding tissues.

Variations in presentation among individuals

Risk and prognosis may vary depending on age, tumor type and extent, hormone secretion, genetic background, and overall health status.

The broad framework of diagnosis and management

Benign adrenal tumors are often asymptomatic, but malignant tumors can cause pain, compressive symptoms, or organ dysfunction as they grow or metastasize.

Diagnosis is made by comprehensively integrating hormone tests, imaging studies, and, when necessary, tissue biopsies and pathological evaluations based on medical history and physical examination.

Current status of treatment

The presence of an adrenal mass on imaging does not immediately imply cancer; it must be interpreted by distinguishing between benign tumors and hormone-secreting tumors.

Management is planned by jointly considering the malignancy of the tumor, stage, hormonal function, resectability, and the patient's condition.

Treatment options may include surgery, anticancer chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, with the actual choice depending on the tumor characteristics and stage.

How to read clinical trials

After treatment, recurrence, metastasis, hormonal status, and treatment side effects are monitored; the mere existence of a registered observational study cannot be used to judge treatment efficacy or standard of care.

Points to verify during clinical consultations

In clinical practice, it is important to confirm tumor location and size, hormone test results, pathology/staging, presence of metastasis, treatment goals and options, and follow-up plans.

Medical Guidance

This material is for general educational information only and does not substitute for individual diagnosis or treatment, nor does it provide individual clinical guidelines.

Evidence and sources

A trial registry status does not establish efficacy or regulatory approval.