Question 1

What is Adrenal Carcinoma?

Accepted Answer

Adrenal carcinoma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the adrenal glands located above each kidney. It is caused by malignant cell growth that often produces excess hormones like cortisol and aldosterone. The Cortisol, Total test is the most important test for detecting hormone overproduction associated with adrenal carcinoma.

Question 2

What causes adrenal carcinoma?

Accepted Answer

Adrenal carcinoma is caused by malignant cell growth in the adrenal cortex, the outer layer of the adrenal glands. The exact trigger for this cancerous transformation remains unclear, but genetic mutations and rare hereditary conditions like Li-Fraumeni syndrome and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome increase risk. Many adrenal carcinomas are functioning tumors that produce excessive amounts of hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, or sex hormones, leading to serious health complications throughout the body.

Question 3

What is the best test for adrenal carcinoma?

Accepted Answer

The Cortisol, Total test is the most important blood test for adrenal carcinoma because it detects excessive cortisol production, which occurs in many hormone-secreting adrenal tumors. Elevated cortisol levels can indicate a functioning adrenal carcinoma and help assess the severity of hormonal imbalance. The Aldosterone/Plasma Renin Activity Ratio test is also essential for detecting aldosterone-producing tumors, as it uses advanced LC/MS/MS technology to identify abnormal hormone levels with high precision. While blood tests alone cannot diagnose adrenal carcinoma, they are critical for detecting hormone overproduction that characterizes many of these aggressive tumors and for monitoring treatment response.

Question 4

When should I get tested for adrenal carcinoma?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience symptoms of hormone overproduction such as rapid weight gain, particularly around the midsection and face, muscle weakness, unexplained high blood pressure, or unusual body changes like purple stretch marks. Get tested immediately if you notice sudden onset of facial hair growth in women, irregular periods, deepening voice, or symptoms of Cushing's syndrome like a rounded face and buffalo hump. Early detection of hormonal imbalances through blood testing can help identify adrenal tumors before they progress and cause severe complications.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of adrenal carcinoma?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of adrenal carcinoma vary depending on whether the tumor produces hormones. Hormone-producing tumors cause rapid weight gain, rounded face, high blood pressure, easy bruising, muscle weakness, and purple stretch marks. Women may experience excessive facial hair, deepening voice, and irregular periods, while men may notice breast enlargement. Non-functioning tumors often cause abdominal or back pain, feeling of fullness, and a noticeable abdominal mass. Many people also experience unexplained weight loss, fever, and general fatigue as the cancer progresses.

Question 6

Who is at risk for adrenal carcinoma?

Accepted Answer

Adrenal carcinoma is extremely rare and can affect anyone, but certain factors increase risk. People with hereditary conditions like Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1, or familial adenomatous polyposis have higher risk. The cancer occurs more frequently in children under 5 years old and adults between 40-50 years old. Women are slightly more likely to develop adrenal carcinoma than men. Having a family history of adrenal disorders or certain genetic mutations also increases susceptibility to this aggressive cancer.

Question 7

What happens if adrenal carcinoma is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated adrenal carcinoma progresses rapidly and can be life-threatening. Hormone-producing tumors cause severe complications including uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, severe osteoporosis with bone fractures, and dangerous electrolyte imbalances. The cancer spreads aggressively to the liver, lungs, bones, and lymph nodes, causing organ failure. Excess cortisol weakens the immune system, making you vulnerable to serious infections. The tumor itself can grow large enough to cause severe pain and compress nearby organs. Without treatment, adrenal carcinoma has a poor prognosis, making early detection through blood testing and imaging crucial for survival.

Question 8

Can adrenal carcinoma be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests alone cannot definitively diagnose adrenal carcinoma, but they play a fundamental role in detection and assessment. Blood tests measuring cortisol, aldosterone, DHEA-S, and other adrenal hormones can identify hormone overproduction, which is a hallmark of many adrenal carcinomas. Elevated hormone levels prompt further investigation with imaging studies like CT or MRI scans to visualize the tumor. The definitive diagnosis requires tissue biopsy, but blood testing is essential for initial screening, assessing tumor activity, guiding treatment decisions, and monitoring for recurrence after treatment.

Question 9

How is adrenal carcinoma treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for adrenal carcinoma depends on the stage and whether the cancer has spread. Surgical removal of the tumor and affected adrenal gland is the primary treatment and offers the best chance for cure when the cancer is localized. Advanced cases require chemotherapy, typically with mitotane, which specifically targets adrenal cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be used to control tumors that cannot be surgically removed or to treat areas where cancer has spread. Medications to block hormone production help manage symptoms from functioning tumors. Regular blood testing monitors hormone levels and treatment effectiveness throughout the treatment process.

Question 10

How can I prevent adrenal carcinoma?

Accepted Answer

There is no proven way to prevent adrenal carcinoma because the exact causes are not fully understood. However, people with hereditary conditions that increase risk should undergo regular monitoring and genetic counseling. If you have a family history of adrenal disorders or genetic syndromes associated with adrenal cancer, discuss screening options with your healthcare provider. Early detection through regular blood testing for hormone levels and imaging studies can catch tumors when they are smaller and more treatable. Maintaining overall health through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding unnecessary hormone supplements supports adrenal gland function.

Question 11

What can I do at home for adrenal carcinoma?

Accepted Answer

While adrenal carcinoma requires medical treatment, you can support your body at home by managing symptoms and side effects. If you have excess cortisol, reduce salt intake to help control blood pressure and fluid retention. Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to protect bone health, as high cortisol weakens bones. Regular gentle exercise helps maintain muscle strength and manage weight gain from hormone imbalances. Track your symptoms, including blood pressure and weight changes, to share with your healthcare team. Stress management techniques like meditation and adequate sleep support overall hormonal balance. Always follow your treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments for blood work monitoring.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
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            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Adrenal Carcinoma Blood Test

What is Adrenal Carcinoma?

What causes adrenal carcinoma?

What is the best test for adrenal carcinoma?

When should I get tested for adrenal carcinoma?

References

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