What Is Adrenal Cancer?

There are two adrenal glands, one above each kidney in the back of the upper abdomen. The adrenal glands are also called the suprarenal glands.

There are two types of adrenal cancer:

• Cancer of the adrenal cortex. This rare cancer affects cells in the outer layer of the adrenal gland. It is also called adrenocortical carcinoma. Cancer of the adrenal cortex is also called adrenocorticalcarcinoma.
• Pheochromocytoma. This is a cancer of the adrenal medulla, the inside layer of the adrenal glands. Pheochromocytoma can also start in other parts of the body, but it most commonly occurs in the adrenal gland.

Adrenal cancer expertise

Adrenal cancer is a very rare cancer that requires a multispecialty approach. Stanford specialists have extensive experience diagnosing and treating adrenal cancer, and work closely with you to develop an optimal treatment plan that provides the best chances for a successful outcome.

Program highlights:

• Multispecialty clinic of adrenal cancer experts, including medical oncologists and endocrinologists to manage chemotherapy and treatment side effects
• Surgical expertise, including minimally invasive robotic/laparoscopic adrenalectomy
  
• High-risk genetics clinic to assess possible mutations for adrenal cancer
• Robust clinical research program offering access to new drugs in clinical testing
• Monthly urologic cancer support group meetings, including lectures on state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials, as well as interactive patient/doctor panel discussions