/assets/production/practices/6e975e78c210457d2fb6258aad55d930a9605da3/images/2799835.jpg)
Adrenal cancer is a rare form of cancer affecting about 600 people yearly in the United States. If you’re at risk of this cancer or have symptoms of the disease, rely on Mission City Urology in San Antonio, Texas. Board-certified urologist Arpan Satsangi, MD, PhD, and the rest of the medical staff diagnose and treat adrenal cancer to prevent it from spreading to other areas of your body. Call the office to schedule an appointment or request a visit online today.
Adrenal Cancer Q & A
What is adrenal cancer?
Adrenal cancer (adrenocortical carcinoma) is a rare form of cancer that develops in the adrenal glands, tiny glands located on top of the kidneys.
Your adrenal glands make hormones that help control blood pressure, metabolism, and numerous other bodily functions. Fortunately, adrenal cancer is often treatable when detected early. This cancer typically affects adults in their 40s and 50s or children younger than 5.
What are the symptoms of adrenal cancer?
Adrenal cancer can cause the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- Muscle weakness
- Stretch marks on your skin
- Reduced appetite
- High blood pressure
- Easy bruising
- High blood sugar
Adrenal cancer can alter sex hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen. This can lead to hair loss, extra facial hair, irregular periods in women, and shrinking testicles or enlarged breast tissue in men.
What are the risk factors for adrenal cancer?
While the cause of adrenal cancer isn’t clear, possible risk factors may include a family history of adrenal cancer or having the following inherited conditions:
- Lynch syndrome
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome
- Familial adenomatous polyposis
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1)
- Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
There appears to be a strong genetic component linked to adrenal cancer; the ways to help prevent this type of cancer (if any) are unclear.
How is adrenal cancer diagnosed?
Dr. Satsangi completes an evaluation to screen for adrenal cancer. He reviews your personal and family medical history, discusses your symptoms, and completes a physical exam. You might need imaging tests (CT scan, PET scan, MRI, etc.), blood testing, a urinalysis, or other diagnostic tests.
How is adrenal cancer treated?
Treating adrenal cancer at Mission City Urology typically involves removing the affected adrenal gland. You might need radiation therapy, medications, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or other cancer treatments.
Surgery often consists of removing the entire adrenal gland. If your cancer has spread beyond your adrenal gland, additional tissues may need to be removed. Follow up with Dr. Satsangi after treatment to ensure its effectiveness.
Schedule an adrenal cancer evaluation at Mission City Urology by calling the office or requesting an appointment with Dr. Satsangi online today.