What to expect from tumour removal surgery for adrenal cancer

Before surgery, scans help show the tumour’s position and whether nearby structures are involved. Blood and urine tests may check hormones made by the adrenal gland. An operation may use keyhole cuts or a larger incision, depending on tumour size and location. The surgeon may remove one adrenal gland and surrounding tissue or lymph nodes when needed.

Hormone-producing tumours need careful preparation because hormone levels can affect blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar during surgery. If both adrenal glands are affected or the remaining gland cannot make enough hormones, replacement medicine may be needed.

Give the surgical team a complete list of medicines, including steroids and blood-pressure treatment. Follow fasting instructions and plan for someone to take you home. Afterward, expect gradual improvement rather than immediate full strength. Walk as advised, protect the incision, take prescribed pain relief and attend appointments for wound review, hormone assessment and pathology results. Do not change steroid medicine without medical direction.

Seek urgent advice for fever, increasing wound redness, drainage, worsening abdominal or back pain, repeated vomiting, dizziness or very low energy. Emergency care is needed for fainting, severe weakness, confusion, chest pain, breathing difficulty or symptoms that may reflect a serious hormone imbalance.

Ask whether the operation will be keyhole or open, whether nearby tissue may be removed, how hormone medicines will be handled, what activity limits apply, when pathology will be discussed and which symptoms require immediate help.