Adrenal cancer

Adrenal cancer, also known as adrenocortical carcinoma, occurs when cancerous cells grow in one or both of the adrenal glands. These two tiny, triangular glands, located just above each kidney, produce hormones that regulate many important bodily functions like blood pressure, metabolism, and stress responses. Adrenal cancer is most effectively treated when caught early before it spreads to other parts of the body.

At Penn Medicine our expert endocrinologists, who specialize in hormone-related diseases, collaborate with oncologists to diagnose and treat adrenal gland cancer. These specialists work together to consider all aspects of your diagnosis and health background to develop an individualized treatment plan that’s right for you.

Adrenal gland tumors are often benign, and adrenal cancer is rare. While anyone can develop cancerous adrenal tumors, they are most commonly diagnosed in children under the age of five or in adults between the ages of 40 and 60. The exact cause of adrenal cancer is unknown, but it may be associated with some inherited diseases. Research is ongoing to determine the specific causes of adrenal cancer.

When you receive cancer care at Penn Medicine through the Abramson Cancer Center (ACC), you’ll have access to the most advanced tools and treatments for adrenal cancer. Working with our interdisciplinary team of experts in endocrinology and oncology, you’ll get an accurate diagnosis along with a tailored care plan to meet your specific health needs.

As part of a research hospital, our doctors are tapped into the latest clinical trials and evolving medical studies to bring you the most up-to-date treatments that may not be widely available at other hospitals. Our innovative and compassionate approach is designed to bring you the highest level of care and the most effective treatment outcomes.