Adrenal Cancer Treatment Options

There are various treatment options for adrenal cancer. One of the most commonly used treatment options for adrenal cancer is surgery. There are four types of surgery that can be performed to remove both benign and malignant adrenal cancer tumors. The procedure your doctor will use will depend on the type and size of the tumor and also your individual needs.

  • Posterior Surgery - typically used to remove small, benign tumors, your doctor will make an incision in your back just above the kidneys.
  • Transabdominal Surgery - in this procedure, an incision is made in your abdomen so the doctor can inspect nearby blood vessels and organs for any signs of cancer. It also allows your doctor to remove any nearby tissue that might be directly involved with the tumor.
  • Thoracoabdominal Surgery - this is usually the procedure of choice if you a large, malignant adrenal tumors. Your doctor will make a large incision around the cancerous area so he/she has an expanded view of the tissue that surrounds the tumor.
  • Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy - in this procedure, a fiber optic scope is inserted through a tiny incision made by your doctor in your abdominal cavity. It is a less invasive procedure and therefore generally causes less pain than other approaches. Thankfully most adrenal cancers can be removed using this technique.

Radiation therapy is also a treatment option for some adrenal cancer patients. The high-energy rays used in radiation therapy destroy cancerous cells and reduce the tumor's size. It is most often utilized for adrenal cancer that has already started to spread. It is also a treatment that be used in conjunction with chemotherapy.

Readmore ...

From: cancercenter.com