Adrenal cancer is very rare and affects 1-2 people in one million, according to data from the Cancer Registry, with a higher incidence in the adult population. Only 30% of adrenal cancers are diagnosed at an early stage.

STAFF

At the IEO adrenal cancer is treated by a multidisciplinary team consisting of specialists in:

• Urogenital and Head and Neck Tumors Medical Treatment
• Urologic Surgery
• New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies
• Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
• Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences

The risk factors are not known. No relationship has been documented with either smoking or family history. However, an association has been found with some genetic mutations and some syndromes, such as Cushing's disease. 

At the European Institute of Oncology, a specialised team operates in the diagnosis and treatment of adrenal cancer that guarantees comprehensive, all-round patient management by integrating medical and nursing competencies and placing the patient at the centre of the therapeutic process with an active role at each step.

The majority of adrenal cancers are often found accidentally during radiological investigations.

Surgical removal of the entire gland is the treatment of choice in cases of localised disease, with good results in terms of disease-free survival. In cases where there is no indication for surgical intervention, the use of anti-hormonal drugs, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can be considered (if the lesion is confined). The arrival of minimally-invasive adrenalectomy has been a turning point in the surgical removal of adrenal tumours, previously burdened with a higher rate of complications. The use of robots is characterised by the well-known advantages, such as less blood loss, less post-operative pain, better cosmetic result, and shorter hospital stay.