Adrenal cortical carcinoma is a rare cancer of the hormone-producing adrenal glands above the kidneys. It may announce itself through hormone excess (weight gain, high blood pressure, virilisation) or as a mass found on scans.
Diagnosed at another hospital? You’re welcome too, with no commitment to start treatment at CION.
About adrenal cancer
Adrenal cortical carcinoma is a rare cancer of the hormone-producing adrenal glands above the kidneys. It may announce itself through hormone excess (weight gain, high blood pressure, virilisation) or as a mass found on scans. Surgery by an experienced team is the cornerstone of treatment.
Signs to watch for
New or worsening high blood pressure
Rapid weight gain with round face (Cushing features)
Excess facial hair or voice change in women
Abdominal or flank pain
A mass found incidentally on imaging
Most of these have other causes too. If one lasts, see a doctor.
Who is at higher risk
Most cases occur without known risk factors
Certain inherited syndromes (Li-Fraumeni, MEN1)
Childhood and middle-age peaks
Having a risk factor doesn’t mean you will get cancer.
How it’s diagnosed
Hormonal blood and urine panels characterise function; CT/MRI define the mass and PET-CT helps stage. Biopsy is rarely needed and avoided in resectable tumours.
Many of these tests can be arranged by your CION team at CION’s Hyderabad centres.
Treatment options
Your plan depends on the type and stage of the cancer and on your overall health. CION’s tumour board agrees on it with you.
1
Open or laparoscopic adrenalectomy chosen by tumour size and invasion
Through CION’s network
2
Specific drug therapy (e.g., mitotane) after surgery in selected cases
Your CION care team arranges network services and tells you where to go.
Who treats adrenal cancer at CION
Medical, surgical and radiation oncologists plan your care, and CION’s tumour board of 17 specialists reviews every case. Doctors you can see in Hyderabad are marked.
Medical oncologists 6
Treat cancer with medicines, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
1I have a small adrenal lump on a scan. Is it cancer?
Usually not — small "incidentalomas" are common and mostly benign. Size, imaging features, and hormone testing decide whether removal or follow-up is advised.
2Why avoid a biopsy?
Biopsy rarely changes the plan for a resectable adrenal mass and risks tumour spillage; complete surgical removal is both diagnosis and treatment.
3Will I need hormone tablets after surgery?
After removal of one adrenal gland, the other usually compensates. Temporary steroid support is needed in some situations, managed with the endocrinologist.
4Where is adrenal cancer treated near Hyderabad?
You can see a CION specialist for adrenal cancer at CION’s Hyderabad centres. Consultations, tests, biopsies and day-care chemotherapy are done there; surgery and radiation are arranged at partner centres. Call 1800 202 8726 to book.
5Is the tumour board review free?
Yes. Every case is discussed by CION’s tumour board of specialists from all its centres, at no charge. Tests and treatment are paid for separately, and you get a written estimate first.
6How do I book a adrenal cancer consultation at CION’s Hyderabad centres?
Call 1800 202 8726 or use the form on this page. Our care team fixes a time and helps you organise the reports you already have.
Get one clear plan for your adrenal cancer
It starts with a consultation at CION’s Hyderabad centres. The tumour board review is free.
This page explains adrenal cancer care at CION Cancer Clinics, Hyderabad. It is general information, not medical advice. Your treatment plan is made only after a consultation and a review of your reports.