Does tumour removal surgery treat adrenal cancer?

The adrenal glands sit above the kidneys and make hormones. Before surgery, the team assesses whether the cancer is confined to one adrenal gland, whether nearby tissue is involved and whether it has spread elsewhere. Surgery may remove the affected adrenal gland and surrounding tissue. A hormone-producing tumour can require preparation before the operation because changes in hormone levels may affect blood pressure and other body functions.

The operation is not automatically the whole treatment. Laboratory tests examine the removed tissue, and the results help determine whether further care is appropriate. The surgical approach and recovery depend on the tumour's position, size and relationship to nearby organs.

Ask an endocrine or oncology team to explain the scan findings, hormone tests and surgical goal. Bring a list of medicines, supplements and symptoms such as sweating, palpitations or unusual blood-pressure changes. Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice. Your team can describe preparation, possible effects on the remaining adrenal gland and how follow-up will monitor recovery and the cancer.

Seek urgent medical help for severe chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, confusion, sudden weakness or a severe headache. After an operation, contact the surgical team promptly for fever, worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, heavy bleeding or a wound that becomes increasingly red or swollen.

Is the adrenal tumour removable, and what is the aim of surgery? Do hormone tests change how I need to prepare? What tissue may be removed with the adrenal gland? Could I need hormone replacement or additional cancer treatment? How will follow-up check for recurrence?