After Treatment

After treatment for an adrenal gland tumor ends, talk with your doctor about developing a follow-up care plan. This plan may include regular physical examinations and/or medical tests to monitor your recovery for the coming months and years.

If the affected adrenal gland is still functional after surgery, both glands should be able to provide enough of the hormones needed by the body. Sometimes, a person needs hormone replacement therapy (such as steroids) because the gland that had the tumor will not be able to produce enough hormones as a healthy gland. Over time, the person can usually be weaned (gradually reduce the body’s dependence on) from the hormone replacement drug. An endocrinologist (a doctor who specializes in disorders of the endocrine system) should carefully monitor this process. The endocrine system is a complex collection of hormone-producing glands that control many essential functions. If both adrenal glands need to be removed, long-term medication is needed to replace the hormones normally produced by these glands, and you should wear a medical-alert bracelet to inform caregivers of your condition, in case you are unable to do so.

If the surgery is performed laparoscopically, the person can resume daily activities within a week. Usually, the person leaves the hospital in two to three days. If a larger incision is necessary, then the person is usually hospitalized for up to five to seven days and should not lift heavy objects for six weeks.

Follow-up care may include imaging and blood/urine tests every year. For some people with an adrenal gland tumor, the risk of developing another tumor in the other gland is about 10%. Because of this, people treated for an adrenal gland tumor may need regular check-ups with an endocrinologist to monitor recovery and detect any new tumor growth. Adrenal cortical carcinoma can be very aggressive, and because it is rare, a person may want to enroll in a clinical trial at a medical center with experience treating this type of tumor and follow-up care.

People recovering from an adrenal gland tumor are encouraged to follow established guidelines for good health, such as maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, eating a balanced diet, and having recommended cancer screening tests. Talk with your doctor to develop a plan that is best for your needs. Moderate physical activity can help rebuild your strength and energy level. Your doctor can help you create an appropriate exercise plan based upon your needs, physical abilities, and fitness level. Learn more about Healthy Living After Cancer.

To learn about the terms used in this section, read the Cancer.Net Feature: Cancer Terms to Know: After Treatment.