Adrenal Cancer

Expert treatment for adrenocortical cancer in San Diego

A smiling middle-aged woman represents the full life that can be led after adrenal cancer treatment.

Expert treatment for adrenocortical cancer in San Diego

The cancer specialists at Scripps Cancer Center are experts in caring for people with adrenal cancer, also known as adrenocortical carcinoma or cancer of the adrenal cortex. Our oncology specialists use the most advanced therapies to eliminate cancer and prevent recurrence, including minimally invasive surgery that uses small incisions, potentially resulting in shorter hospital stays and a faster recovery.


Our multidisciplinary, collaborative board of cancer specialists reviews complex care plans to ensure patients receive the best possible care from diagnosis to recovery.

Treatment options at Scripps

Adrenal cancer is a rare form of endocrine cancer that starts in the outer layer of the adrenal glands. Located above each kidney, adrenal glands produce steroid hormones called adrenaline and noradrenaline to control heart rate, blood pressure and other body functions.


Surgery and chemotherapy are the most common treatments for adrenal cancer. Radiation therapy also may be used. Your Scripps team will customize your treatment plan based on several factors, including:


  • The stage of your cancer
  • Whether your cancer has spread
  • Your age and overall health

Adrenalectomy surgery

An adrenalectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the entire adrenal gland. Nearby lymph nodes and other surrounding tissue may also be removed during this surgery. Whenever possible, Scripps surgeons use minimally invasive surgical techniques, which can mean smaller incisions, faster recovery time and less bleeding and scarring.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be used alone or after surgery to attack cancerous adrenal gland tumors. A drug called mitotane may be used when an adrenal gland tumor cannot be fully removed by surgery.


Mitotane is a hormone antagonist that reduces the amount of hormone made by the adrenal cortex. It can be helpful for people with adrenal cancers who have problems related to excessive hormone production. It may be used in combination with chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin, doxorubicin, etoposide and streptozocin.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is not a main treatment for adrenal cancer because these cancer cells are not affected by radiation. But radiation may be used to help prevent recurrence or to treat areas where the cancer has spread.

Adrenal cancer treatment locations

Scripps diagnoses and treats adrenal cancer at numerous locations throughout San Diego County. From Chula Vista and La Jolla to Encinitas and beyond, our extensive network of Southern California cancer care centers includes:


  • Four Scripps hospitals on five campuses
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Specialty cancer treatment centers


For details on specific centers and their services, visit cancer care locations.

Support groups, services and resources

Scripps Cancer Center knows what it takes to fight a winning battle. That’s why we equip our patients with the support and resources necessary to achieve their best possible outcome. From connecting you with support groups and services to empowering you with the latest resources and research, we’ll help you along every step of your cancer journey.

Adrenal cancer support groups

In support of our patients, survivors, their family members and the community, we host a handful of cancer support groups as well as a range of free workshops and health and wellness events on a number of topics such as:


  • Nutrition
  • Expressive writing
  • Yoga
  • Meditation


Check the current list of support offerings or contact your oncology social worker or cancer care coordinator.


For info about other cancer support groups in the San Diego community, call the American Cancer Society at 800-227-2345.

Support services for cancer patients

We are here for you — not only as your oncologists, but as a robust multidisciplinary team of experts who understands that your cancer journey is about much more than your medical treatment. Specifically, Scripps Cancer Center offers a variety of patient support services to ensure your physical, psychological and emotional well-being as well as resources for dealing with the logistical and financial aspects of cancer care. Our services and resources include:


  • Oncology nurses and nurse navigators with extensive clinical expertise in cancer care to help guide you and your caregivers to make informed decisions and ensure your optimal care.
  • Palliative care to provide an extra layer of supportive care to manage pain and relieve symptoms, offer emotional and spiritual support, and improve your quality of life. 
  • Oncology social workers specially trained to provide counseling, connect you with community and medical resources, assist with transportation and housing and coordinate care after discharge.
  • Our registered dietitian nutritionists offer individualized nutrition support for patients whose efforts to optimize their nutrition may be affected by cancer symptoms or treatment side effects.
  • Referrals and professional care from experts in psychology, psychiatry and emotional health, including individual and family counseling to help with the emotional challenges of cancer.
  • Physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy services, including wound care, voice therapy and swallowing therapy, lymphedema therapy, balance and vestibular rehabilitation, yoga and more.
  • Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine for patients interested in mind-body healing through acupuncture, biofeedback, herbal nutrition, massage therapy, integrative cancer care and more.
  • Nondenominational spiritual care offered by our chaplains to help coordinate spiritual care with your own clergy, rabbi or spiritual advisor.
  • Visiting patient services if you reside beyond San Diego and want help arranging appointments or learning more about short-term lodging.


For the full spectrum of offerings, please visit our cancer patient support services section.