What is the first treatment for adrenal cancer?

Adrenal cancer, including adrenocortical carcinoma, begins in an adrenal gland above the kidney. Scans and hormone tests help the team assess the tumour, nearby structures, hormone production, and signs of spread. If the tumour is localised and removable, an operation to remove it is commonly considered the main initial treatment. The surgeon may also assess nearby tissue or lymph nodes depending on the findings.

Chemotherapy may be recommended when the cancer has spread, cannot be removed safely, has returned, or needs additional treatment after surgery. Medicines may also be used to control hormones produced by the tumour. The plan is personalised and may involve an endocrine specialist, surgeon, medical oncologist, and radiologist.

Bring a list of medicines and symptoms such as new weight change, muscle weakness, easy bruising, high blood pressure, palpitations, or changes in body hair. Ask whether hormone testing needs to be repeated and whether a medicine is needed before surgery. Discuss the operation, possible effects on nearby organs, recovery arrangements, and how follow-up scans will be scheduled. Do not stop steroid or hormone medicines unless the treating team instructs you.

Seek urgent care for severe abdominal or back pain, fainting, confusion, repeated vomiting, marked weakness, chest pain, severe breathlessness, or a very fast or irregular heartbeat. These symptoms may reflect bleeding, infection, pressure from the tumour, or a hormone disturbance. After treatment, contact the team promptly for fever, worsening wound redness, persistent vomiting, or inability to keep medicines down.

Can the tumour be removed safely? Is it producing hormones, and how will that be controlled? What will scans and pathology show about the treatment plan? Would chemotherapy be needed before or after surgery? Which symptoms need same-day advice, and who coordinates my follow-up?