ADRENAL CANCER
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ALTERNATE NAMES
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Adrenal Carcinoma; Adrenocortical Carcinoma; Adrenocortical Cancer; Cancer of the
Adrenal Cortex; Carcinoma of the Adrenal Cortex
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DESCRIPTION |
Adrenal Cancer is rare and forms in the outer tissue layer of the adrenal gland, the cortex. A tumor
of the adrenal cortex may be functioning (producing excess hormones) or non-functioning
(not producing hormones). A subtype of adrenal cancer, anaplastic, which shows no
cellular differentiation, generally presents as “non-functioning tumor.” Individuals
with the hereditary diseases LiFraumeni Syndrome, Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome, and
Carney Complex are at risk for adrenal cancer.
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DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, PHYSICAL FINDINGS, AND
ICD-9-CM/ICD-10-CM
CODING
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Diagnostic testing: The diagnosis of Adrenal Cancer is made by:
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Image guided fine needle biopsy;
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Laboratory tests including blood and urinalysis to measure levels of adrenal hormones,
cortisol levels, aldosterone levels, and androgen or estrogen levels.
Physical findings: Symptoms and physical findings of individuals with Adrenal Cancer may include:
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Development of masculine or feminine features, due to hormone increases;
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Swelling or weakening of bones or muscles;
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Electrolyte abnormalities in the body.
ICD-9: 194.0
ICD-10:
C79.70
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PROGRESSION
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The 5-year survival rate for inoperable or unresectable tumors is less than 10%. |
TREATMENT
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Treatment may include surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Palliation can be used
for inoperable or unresectable tumors, but the prognosis is poor.
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SUGGESTED
PROGRAMMATIC ASSESSMENT* |
Suggested MER for
Evaluation:
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Clinical history and examination that describes the diagnostic features of the impairment;
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A pathology report noting that the surgical specimen has positive margins, or is inoperable,
unresectable, recurrent, or with metastases; and
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“Inoperable” refers to a physician's opinion that surgery would not be beneficial
based on a review of imaging studies, laboratory results, and physical examination
findings.
“Unresectable” cancer is established when the operative report indicates that the
cancer is not completely removed or the pathology report notes that the surgical specimen
has positive margins.
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Suggested Listings for
Evaluation: |
DETERMINATION |
LISTING
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REMARKS |
Meets |
13.21 |
Adrenal Cancer that is inoperable, unresectable, recurrent, or with metastases meets
13.21.
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Equals |
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* Adjudicators may, at their discretion, use the Medical Evidence of Record or the
listings suggested to evaluate the claim. However, the decision to allow or deny the
claim rests with the adjudicator.
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