Department of Urology

Illnesses We Treat

Adrenal Cancer

Forms of Adrenal Cancer
Various forms of cancer of the adrenal gland exist. These may be diagnosed on the basis of the symptoms that they produce or through imaging studies (CT scanning; magnetic resonance imaging) performed for unrelated symptoms in which an adrenal mass is found incidentally.

One form of adrenal cancer is pheochromocytoma, which is generally associated with the development of increased blood pressure. Magnetic resonance imaging is very useful in making this diagnosis. Surgical removal of the pheochromocytoma can cure the individual of the high blood pressure.

Another form of adrenal cancer involves the production of steroids, which then lead to obesity of the body with thinning of the extremities, diabetes, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, and bleeding abnormalities.

Treatment Options
Currently, the standard approach in treating adrenal cancers is by surgical removal using laparoscopic techniques. This approach has reduced the morbidity of surgery of these cancers substantially, has shortened hospital stay, and has hastened recovery. The Department of Urology has an extensive experience in the successful treatment of such tumors laparoscopically.

For more information or to make an appointment, please contact:
Michael J. Droller, M.D.
Neil H. Grafstein, M.D.
Simon J. Hall, M.D.
Michael A. Palese, MD
Courtney K. Phillips, M.D.
David B. Samadi, M.D.