Adrenal Gland Metastasis

Because of the vascularity of the adrenal glands, metastasis from cancer starting in other organs is not uncommon. Lung, breast and colon cancer may spread to the adrenal glands. Melanoma and lymphoma are other malignancies that can metastasize to the adrenals. Occasionally, When a isolated metastasis to one adrenal gland is found and on detailed exam and imaging (PET-CT scanning) there is no other evidence of disease, laparoscopic evaluation of that adrenal gland for removal may be appropriate. This resection may provide the patient a survival advantage if complete removal of the metastasis can be done. There is no advantage to partial removal of the metastatic lesion. This approach seems most helpful in isolated lung metastasis or in melanoma metastasis.