ADRENAL CANCER - START YOUR TREATMENT NOW

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ADRENAL CANCER STANDARD TREATMENT

Adrenal cancer is a growth of cells that starts in an adrenal gland. The adrenal glands are small, triangular glands located on top of the kidneys. Although small, these glands control much of what happens in the body. They make hormones that help control metabolism, blood pressure and other important functions.


Adrenal cancer is rare, and it can happen at any age. It's most likely to affect children younger than 5 and adults in their 40s and 50s. Adrenal cancer also is called adrenocortical carcinoma. Most growths that form in the adrenal glands are not cancer. The medical term for that is benign. An example of an adrenal growth that is not cancer is adrenal adenoma.


Signs and symptoms of adrenal cancer may include:

  • Back pain.
  • Belly pain.
  • Losing weight without trying.
  • Loss of appetite.


Many people who have adrenal cancer develop hormone changes in the body. These changes can happen if the cancer cells make extra hormones. Most often, the adrenal cancer makes the hormone cortisol.


Symptoms of Cushing syndrome, include:

  • Weight gain.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Pink or purple stretch marks on the skin.
  • Bruises that happen even with a small injury.
  • High blood pressure.
  • High blood sugar or diabetes.

Less often, an adrenal cancer might make the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone. In females, changes in the sex hormones can cause extra facial hair, hair loss on the head and periods that aren't regular. In males, these hormone changes may cause the testicles to shrink and breast tissue to get bigger.


Rarely, adrenal cancer may make the hormone aldosterone. That can cause high blood pressure and low levels of potassium in the blood.

Book Your Adrenal Cancer Standard Treatment Here

STANDARD PROCEDURES IN EUROPE AND IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

SURGERY

Surgery for adrenal cancer typically involves removing the entire adrenal gland.

This procedure is called an adrenalectomy. The surgery is done for several reasons, including to:


  • Confirm a diagnosis of adrenal cancer.
  • Remove as much of the cancer as possible.
  • See if cancer has spread outside the adrenal gland.
  • Ease symptoms. This can include lessening symptoms that happen when the body makes too much of the hormone cortisol due to cancer.


Surgery also may help with symptoms such as belly pain and back pain that happen when an adrenal cancer grows large.


It's common for adrenal cancer to spread outside of the adrenal gland. If the surgeon finds evidence that the cancer has spread to nearby organs, such as to the liver or kidney, parts or all of those organs also might need to be removed.

RADIOTHERAPY

Radiation therapy treats cancer with powerful energy beams.


The energy can come from X-rays, protons or other sources.


Radiation therapy sometimes is used after adrenal cancer surgery to kill any cells that might be left behind. It also can help ease pain and other symptoms of cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones.

CHEMOTHERAPY

Chemotherapy treats cancer with strong medicines.


For adrenal cancers that can't entirely be removed with surgery or those that come back after surgery, chemotherapy may help keep the cancer from growing and spreading.

ADRENAL CANCER STAGES

Stages of adrenal cancer


T (tumour)

This describes the size of the original tumour.


N (node)

This indicates whether the cancer is present in the lymph nodes.



M (metastasis)

This refers to whether cancer has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body.


Once the individual T, N and M scores have been established, an overall stage is assigned.

ADRENAL CANCER STAGES

Stage 1 adrenal cancer

The tumour is smaller than 2 inches (5 cm) and has not spread beyond the adrenal gland.


Stage 2 adrenal cancer

The tumour is larger than 2 inches (5 cm) but has not yet spread outside of the adrenal gland.


Stage 3 adrenal cancer

The tumour has spread into nearby tissues or lymph nodes. Size is not a factor.


Stage 4 adrenal cancer

The tumour may be any size, and tumours have spread throughout the body to distant sites farther away from the adrenal gland.

ADRENAL CANCER TYPES

Adrenal tumours develop in the adrenal glands, which are located above each kidney and create hormones (such as adrenaline and cortisol) that help regulate body functions. In most instances, adrenal tumours are benign (non-cancerous), however there are still around 250 people in Europe   diagnosed with adrenal cancer each year.


It is challenging to diagnose and find the difference between benign and cancerous adrenal tumours. The only way to confirm adrenal cancer more correctly is when it has spread to the lymph nodes or other organs and tissues. Non-cancerous adrenal tumours (adenomas) do not spread beyond the adrenal gland.


The adrenal cancer type is assigned based on where the cancer is located within the adrenal gland and what type of cells are involved.


Adrenocortical carcinoma

Also called adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC) or adrenal cortex cancer, this is the most common form of adrenal cancer. Adrenocortical carcinoma usually forms in the cortex (the outer region of the adrenal gland) and is typically not detected until the tumour is quite large. This cancer type is often discovered after the onset of adrenal cancer symptoms, notably pain or a feeling of fullness, resulting in weight loss.


Adrenocortical carcinomas may also produce excess hormones that may cause weight gain, excess facial hair or early puberty in younger people. If an adrenal tumour is larger than 5 cm, it is usually assumed to be cancer, upon which further testing is performed.


Pheochromocytoma

This type of adrenal cancer forms in the central part of the medulla, the inner part of the adrenal gland, and typically originates in adrenaline-producing cells. Adrenaline helps regulate important bodily functions, including heart rate and blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure, excessive sweating, racing heart and anxiety are among the symptoms of pheochromocytoma.


Neuroblastoma

Found in developing nerve cells of the medulla, this type of adrenal cancer usually affects infants or children under 10. Due to the unique nature of the cells, early detection is possible. In rare cases, however, the origin may be hard to determine since the cells can spread quickly. Most neuroblastomas begin in the adrenal glands, but the disease may also start in nerve tissues near the abdomen, pelvis, neck, chest or spine.


Paraganglioma

This type of neuroendocrine tumour forms either within the adrenal glands or just outside of them. Paraganglioma is rare and is typically diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 50. This condition doesn’t always cause symptoms, but when it does, they may include a rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, a headache, tremors and sweating.


DIAGNOSING ADRENAL CANCER

In addition to conducting a comprehensive medical history and examination, our medical team may use a variety of tests and procedures for diagnosing adrenal cancer and staging the disease.

The tests used depend on factors such as the size and location of the tumour.

Testing blood and urine is performed to look for irregular levels of adrenal hormones. These tests may detect adrenal cancer before symptoms develop.


The other tests used for diagnosing adrenal cancer are:


X-ray

This test takes an image or images of the chest and surrounding area—the lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs and diaphragm. Smaller structures, like blood vessels, are also inspected. A chest X-ray may show whether cancer has spread to the lungs and whether abnormalities have formed on the heart or lungs.


Laparoscopy

During this minimally invasive procedure, a long, thin instrument with a camera attached (a laparoscope) is inserted into the patient’s side. The camera transmits images from inside the body, allowing the doctor to view the adrenal mass and involved lymph nodes without having to perform surgery. Laparoscopy also helps the physician determine whether the cancer can be removed with surgery.


CT scan

This computed tomography (CT) imaging test is used to determine if surgery is a viable treatment option for adrenal cancer. This scan is used to determine whether cancer has developed in the adrenal glands or elsewhere in the body, such as the liver.


Ultrasound

Using sound waves to create pictures may be used when a CT scan cannot be performed. Ultrasound allows the physician to view the adrenal glands, check for tumours and potential masses in the liver, where adrenal cancer may spread.

PRICES FOR ADRENAL CANCER STANDARD TREATMENT PROCEDURES

Adrenal cancer Standard and Improved treatment Price List:


  • Adrenal cancer diagnostics £1,000
  • Adrenal cancer full surgery treatment £4,200
  • Adrenal cancer radiotherapy for cortex carcinoma £8,400
  • Oncological rehabilitation £0.00 if booked and admitted with The Zdenko Kos Foundation.


The above figures represent ¼ of the price, the balance of ¾ of the original price contributed and covered by The Zdenko Kos Foundation.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

  • Can I choose the hospital for my treatment?

    Yes, you can select the hospital you would like to be during your treatment, however, keep in mind that that particular hospital must have a department and wards for the kind of profile of your medical issue. When the patients identify where they would like to have their treatment, they must have in mind the remoteness from the airports, main road and main railways in cases of any emergencies. 

    We’ll give our recommendation which is based on a long experience and a profound analysis of all criteria necessary for the quality of medical the patients are looking for.

  • How much does treatment cost?

    When you book your treatment with us you will get fix figure of which you are paying just ¼ of original cost only, the balance of ¾ contributed and paid by Zdenko Kos Foundation.

    Costs for hospitals are also fixed for entire year, therefore, if you are having treatment over one year, the hospital costs might changed. Once you make the payment for the hospital (eg. for one year) you have hospital free of any charges doesn't matter how many times and days per year you spent in the hospital, doesn't matter how many times you are booked and discharged from the hospital.

  • What is the cost of your services

    Depending on the duration of the medical program the cost in every hospital doesn't matter, the country may vary -  but not when you are booking with us. Our prices are fixed doesn't matter what we may find once eg. surgery or treatment start. All the costs of our services are significantly lower, up to 80% (depending on  treatment) that you will have to pay either through your health system in your country or when organizing the program on your own. There are several reasons for it: The hospitals provided by us have special contract agreements to have fixed rates with discounts for the entire year. There are no overstated rates. You and the hospital you will be having treatment are insured specially from unforeseen expenses eg. possible complications.

  • With whom will I conclude the contract?

    You must book with us, and you will complete the contract with us - The Zdenko Kos Foundation. It is a contract on the organization of a medical trip and provision of services. The protocol is very clear: 

    [1] You have to make the booking with us online on this web site (see the page with the booking box) for the treatment you are after where we are strongly suggest to give us as much data and images of your medical condition to date that we can contact you directly with our doctors, consultants and other medical staff for the treatment you would like to have. 

    [2] Once booking is completed, you will receive automated mail for the payment to be made. You have to make the payment in full for the treatment you would like to have in maximum 24 hours after the booking. With making the payment you start ball rolling. 

    [3] Being admitted to the hospital, you will conclude a direct contract with us for the provision of medical services.

    {4} Once payment made you will get direct link to the doctor and counsaltant to discuss your case face-to-face via What's Up or other such service provider available to both parties depend on your locatition.

  • Why should I pay you, but not the hospital?

    Firstly, unlike many intermediary firms and portals, we do not take from hospitals a percentage of the medical service cost because we have contract agreement not just with hospitals but also with doctors, consultants and other medical professional in each hospital we are working with. 

    Secondly, we are covering ¾ of costs for your procedure not to mention that your procedure-treatment will be fully insured up to £250,000 (for one year treatment) and automatically up to £500,000 (for 2-5 years treatment). The Zdenko Kos Foundation cover the hospital insurance seperately during your treatment if there may come to unforseen complication during the treatment.

    Finally, as we are registered as charity, we remain independent in choosing a medical facility and work exclusively for the benefit of the patient. Any type of payment for sending a patient to the hospital is prohibited by law, since it contradicts medical ethics.

  • At what point do the services become paid?

    The services for the organization of treatment become paid from the moment you made your medical treatment booking online and make the payment in full. Once this done, pre-treatment consultation will take the place following the initial examination (hospitalization).

  • Can I contact the hospital directly?

    Yes, of course, you can also contact the hospital on your own. You should choose the hospital and the attending doctor, write an email to the chief doctor with a description of your case in English, ask him/her about the possibility of undergoing treatment in the hospital and the approximate cost of staying there. If you have received the consent of the hospital and you are satisfied with the price for the hospital (please specify that it must be the price for one year doesn’t matter on number of admissions and discharges and transfer an advance payment to us on our account. Once full payment is received, we will negotiate special terms with the hospital you select on your own that they will be aware of what and how many procedures they have to have in mind and secure at any time free bad in ward. If you are coming from a non-EU country write an email to the secretary of the hospital with a request to send an invitation for a visa. Please note that the invitation should come from the chief doctor, but not from the hospital's international department. After that you should on your own get a visa for medical treatment abroad, agree with the secretary of the chief physician on the date of the initial examination (hospitalization), translate medical records of local physicians into German or English (depending on the chosen country for treatment), book a hotel, prepare a transfer from the airport and find for yourself an interpreter for communication with the medical staff.

    All these activities are not needed in case you are booking with us and you are choosing a hospital we would recommend. If you book with us, we will deal with your visa (if you are coming from a non-EU country), we will book you a hotel, and do all that is necessary to get you started with your treatment.

  • Shall I pay for a consultation?

    A consultation before the treatment as well as long-distance consultation (if you are not from EU countries) is provided free except when you are returning to your home address and it is necessary to study CT or MRI images as the specialist gives an official consultation with a written opinion.

    If you are not from EU countries it is imperative to translate epicurises and medical records from domestic doctors into English.

    If you opt for our services for the organization of treatment with us, there is no need to translate the medical records. This will be done by qualified specialists.


  • What happens, if I refuse from the treatment?

    If you refuse from the treatment you will get a refund of the advance payment. 

    The expenses for all what has been done to that moment will be deducted acordingly. 

  • Is it possible to postpone the treatment?

    Yes, it is. In case of an advance postponement (more than 48 hours before the start of the treatment), the treatment cost will not be changed, and will be deleyed till as per your request. If you intend to postpone the treatment, you must do so on written only. There may be some additional cost for consultation or pre-treatment appointment, depend on the lenght from the initial day of treatment till the day you want to be.

  • What security and guarantees do I have?

    When booking the treatment with us all medical treatment are fully insured against possible complications and unforeseen contingencies. The additional treatment costs will be covered by the insurance covered and paid by The Zdenko Kos Foundation.

  • How is my personal data managed?

    The Kos Foundation is a Data Controller therefore rest assured that your personal data and all material you submit over our link along with all medical history with us will be protected according to current regulations and legislation, using advanced security technologies. Medical history will not be disclosed to any 3rd party even to your GP without your special written permission.

  • Check list for inpatient and outpatient

    When you pack your bag for your hospital stay, the following things should not be missing:

    For your record

    - Referral certificate from the general practitioner or specialist

    - Health insurance card

    For your treatment

    - Medicines in original packaging that you take at home

    - Current preliminary findings, such as X-rays, CT/MRI, ECG or EEG, blood tests, etc.

    - Doctor's Letters

    - If available, living will and power of attorney

    - If available: allergy passport, vaccination certificate, X-ray passport, diabetic card, blood group card


    For your stay

    - Your aids (e.g. wheelchair, walker, walking stick, glasses, hearing aid)

    - Comfortable clothing

    - Towels

    - Cosmetics and personal care products

    - To pass the time: books, magazines, MP3 player with headphones

    - Contact details of relatives and friends


    Please be aware:

    When you get your inpatient admission appointment, please clarify whether you have to appear fasting on the day of admission.


    Valuables

    If possible, please do not bring any valuables with you, as you are liable for losses. For indispensable valuables, e.g. Your watch or wallet, you will find a small safe deposit box in the closet of your patient room in the Surgery I Dermatology and in the Psychosomatics department. In internal medicine, there is a dispensing point.


  • How are the visiting hours regulated?

    Visitors are not only welcome to us but are also of huge importance for our patients!

    Doesn’t matter with which hospital we are working with you are booking there are variable visiting hours, as well as special visiting hours which are not for regular patients visits. Once you are admitted the care team will give you all the details about visiting hours. There are also alternative that your partner (husband/wife) stay with you during the treatment. Such accommodation is available nearly in all hospitals we are working with. For such accommodation additional charges applies. 

    There are separate visiting hours for intensive care units while parents of young patients in the children's area have unlimited visiting hours.

    Visitors are asked to be considerate of patients and fellow patients. If necessary, the nursing staff of that hospital where you are staying, will point out the necessary rest periods for patients who have just undergone surgery

  • Where can I reach pastoral care?

    All hospitals we are working with offer pastoral care for at the Protestant and Catholic hospital chaplaincy for patients and relatives. For all other religions you will be informed by the care team at that particular hospital on the day of your admission.

  • What help and counselling services are available?

    Doesn’t matter which hospital we are working with you choose, you will be given supports with various counselling services and support services, such as the Social Counselling Service, Psychosomatic consultation service, Special offers for cancer patients, Clinic chaplaincy, Services of other religious communities, Art therapy, Self-help, Hospice and much more.

  • How can I contact social services?

    The Social Counselling Service can advise you on topics such as rehabilitation, post-discharge care, social law, psychosocial care and many other matters. You will get special overview with information and contact details from consultant and care team in the hospital where you start your treatment.

  • Inpatient stay: How is admission made?

    Registration and admission for an inpatient stay

    If you have made an appointment for an inpatient stay in cooperation with The Zdenko Kos Foundation, you will first be "admitted" to hospital of your choice upon arrival. This means that we record your data and inform you about your hospital stay.

    Please ask exactly where you should travel when making an appointment. The Zdenko Kos Foundation has several locations and consists of many individual clinics.

    An overview of the parking facilities at the clinic locations will be provided once you identify the hospital you would like to be admitted to.

    When you get your inpatient admission appointment, please clarify whether you have to appear fasting on the day of admission.

  • What should be considered when discharging?

    Your attending physician has decided that you will be discharged from the hospital. This means that you will either be discharged directly to your home or still need follow-up treatment, which will be carried out on an outpatient or inpatient basis in another clinic or rehabilitation facility. For both situations, you will get full information before discharged date.

  • What do the General Terms and Conditions of Contract regulate?

    Accepting services of The Zdenko Kos Foundation, you are not accepting just our Terms & Conditions but also for the period of your entire treatment or stay doesn’t matter which hospital we are working with, the hospital GTCs and the house rules of that hospital in their respective valid versions which you can see and read on hospital websites directly.