Adrenal Cancer Treatment Cost in India

Q: Where are the adrenal glands located and what are their functions?
A: The adrenal glands are a pair of glands located just above both the kidneys. These glands are responsible for producing a variety of hormones crucial for the normal functioning of the body. 

Q: Are there other alternative treatments for adrenal cancer?
A: Other forms of treatments include ablation and drugs such as Mitotane (Lysodren).

Q: Is follow-up important after adrenal cancer treatment?
A: You need to regularly see your doctor to have tests and confirm whether cancer has come back or have spread in other areas.

Q: How can I stop adrenal cancer from coming back after treatment?
A: Regular physical activity, healthy diet, nutritional supplements advised by your doctor, and avoiding tobacco products are some of the way you can stop cancer from spreading or coming back. You need to quit smoking immediately.

Q: Should I get a second opinion about my adrenal cancer?
A: Yes, of course. If you’re not satisfied with the treatment decision, your doctor, surgeon or oncologist, it’s always a good idea to go for a second opinion as it’s a life-changing experience to live with cancer.

Q: How will my doctor make a treatment choice?
A: Treatment choices are largely based on the size of the tumor and how far cancer has spread in the body.

Q: How long do I have to stay in the hospital after a surgery?
A: If it’s a laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery, you may be discharged the very next day. If it’s an open surgery you have to stay 4-5 days in the hospital.

Q: Can I eat after an open adrenal surgery?
A: You may have to refrain from eating for several days until the bowel start moving again after an open adrenal surgery.

Q: What are the things I should avoid after surgery?
A: You should avoid heavy lifting and vigorous activity for at least 4 weeks. You can take a shower after 48 hours.

Q: What type of anesthesia is given for adrenal surgery?
A: General anesthesia is used for open surgery and local anesthesia for laparoscopic surgeries.

Q: How long is the duration of surgery for adrenalectomy or removal of the adrenal gland?
A: The duration of surgery for adrenalectomy can vary between 1.5 hours to 3 hours—both for laparoscopic and open surgery. Depending on a variety of factors and complexity of the tumor the procedure may even take longer. Your surgeon will give you an estimate of the time based on the specifics of your medical condition.

Q: Will I need a drain after my adrenal surgery?
A: Unless your surgeon thinks otherwise, adrenal surgery patients rarely require drains. You are more likely to need drains if you have undergone an open adrenalectomy.

Q: How to take care of my drains?
A: It is easy to take care of drains. As the output is recorded daily, the drain can be removed once it decreases to a specific level. Removal is not painful and they are usually removed several days after surgery.

Q: I have a small adrenal tumor, do I need surgery to remove it?
A: Doctors are more successful in identifying small adrenal tumors due to the increasing use of CT scans and MRI. Some patients, as they get older, are more likely to have one of these small adrenal tumors. The good news is that until diagnostic images show suspicious growth, small adrenal tumors (below 2 inches) do not require surgical removal. 

Q: What are the most important complications that may occur after adrenal surgery?
A: Some major complications include bleeding, pneumonia, blood clots and wound infections.

Q: What happens if both my adrenal glands are removed?
A: If you had surgery for Cushing’s syndrome and both of your adrenal glands are removed, it can lead to insufficiency of cortisol hormone which is life-threatening. Such patients require steroid medications.

Q: What are the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency?
A: Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include nausea, vomiting, general weakness and confusion. 

Q: What happens if my adrenal cancer comes back?
A: In case your adrenal cancer comes back again, your oncologist may recommend a chemotherapy, repeat surgery or radiation therapy.

Q: Do I need to carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate when I travel to India?
A: Yes, you need to carry a valid yellow fever if you are traveling from Africa, South America or other areas where yellow fever is found. Click Here to check the list of countries. Also, all travelers from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Somalia and Israel must carry an Oral Polio Vaccination (OPV) Certificate which must be taken not earlier than 6 weeks before entry. This rule applies to both adults and children.

Q: Can I get visa on arrival if I travel to India for my treatment?
A: Yes, if you are from the following countries, namely, Japan, Cambodia, Finland, Indonesia, Philippines, Luxembourg, Myanmar, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and Vietnam. Travelers from Bhutan, Nepal and Maldives (up to 90 days) can enter India without a visa.

Q: What are the eligibility requirements for a medical visa to India?
A: If you have a valid passport and visa and are seeking medical treatment in a recognized and reputed hospital in India then you can apply for a medical visa to India. Up to 2 attendants who are blood relatives can accompany the patient under separate attendant visas.

Q: Are the hospitals in your panel internationally accredited?
A: The Joint Commission International (JCI), which is a US-based agency, awards accreditation to international hospitals that meet the rigorous standards set forth by the commission. At Vaidam, we are proud to associate with several JCI accredited Indian hospitals in our panel.