About Adrenal Gland Cancer
Key Highlights
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Performed by a specialist (Uro-Oncologist) with expertise in adrenal and urinary system cancers.Utilizes minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopic/robotic) for less pain and faster recovery.Aims for complete tumor removal (curative intent) to prevent cancer spread.Critical for managing life-threatening hormone overproduction caused by the tumor.Helps in accurate staging of the cancer, guiding further treatment if needed.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC) or other primary adrenal malignancies.
- Presence of a large adrenal tumor (typically >4 cm) or a tumor that is growing.
- Adrenal tumor causing symptoms due to excessive hormone secretion (e.g., Cushing's syndrome, Conn's syndrome, pheochromocytoma).
- Suspicion of cancer based on imaging characteristics (irregular shape, rapid growth).
- Isolated cancer metastasis to the adrenal gland from another primary site, if surgically removable.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive hormonal evaluation through blood and urine tests to assess adrenal function.
- Detailed imaging studies (CT scan, MRI, or PET-CT) to determine tumor size and location.
- Medication management, especially for hormone-secreting tumors (e.g., alpha and beta blockers for pheochromocytoma).
- Pre-operative anesthesia evaluation and clearance.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before surgery and stopping certain medications as advised.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding, infection, or injury to nearby organs (kidney, spleen, liver, pancreas, intestines).
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism).
- Adrenal insufficiency (Addisonian crisis) if the remaining adrenal gland cannot produce enough hormones.
- Hypertensive crisis during surgery for pheochromocytoma if not properly pre-treated.
- Anesthesia-related risks and the potential need for conversion to open surgery.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay typically required for monitoring hormone levels and pain management.
- Gradual resumption of oral intake and mobilization starting the day after surgery.
- Lifelong hormone replacement therapy (steroids like hydrocortisone) may be necessary if both glands are removed.
- Restrictions on heavy lifting and strenuous activity for several weeks to allow internal healing.
- Regular follow-up visits with the Uro-Oncologist for monitoring recovery, hormone balance, and checking for cancer recurrence.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering adrenal gland cancer in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with uro oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform adrenal gland cancer. MediFyr helps you compare uro oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for adrenal gland cancer compare across other countries where we have data.
Sophia Ali, a 42-year-old high school...
Sophia Ali, a 42-year-old high school biology teacher and mother of two, had always been energetic. Over six months, she experienced unexplained weight gain, a persistent 'moon face', severe anxiety, and muscle weakness that made climbing stairs difficult. Her primary care doctor, noting her high blood pressure and unusual stretch marks, suspected a hormonal issue. Blood tests revealed extremely high cortisol levels, and a CT scan confirmed a 4.5 cm tumor on her left adrenal gland. Her uro-oncologist, Dr. Evans, explained it was likely an adrenocortical carcinoma and recommended a laparoscopic left adrenalectomy to remove the gland and tumor. Sophia was terrified of surgery and the possibility of cancer, worrying about her young children. The minimally invasive surgery went smoothly. Post-op, she required steroid replacement therapy as her remaining adrenal gland adjusted. Recovery at home was slow for two weeks, with fatigue and surgical site tenderness. Within a month, her Cushing's syndrome symptoms began to recede. Pathology confirmed a Stage I carcinoma with clear margins. Emotionally, Sophia moved from fear and denial to cautious optimism. After recovery, she felt like herself again, the anxiety lifted, her energy returned, and she became a passionate advocate for listening to your body, feeling profoundly grateful for a second chance with her family.
Uro Oncologists for Adrenal Gland Cancer
Explore experienced uro oncologists who regularly perform adrenal gland cancer and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 9 Years Experience
- Uro Oncologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata
- 6 Years Experience
- Uro Oncologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata
- 16 Years Experience
- Uro Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata