Staging is the process of finding out how far the cancer has spread. This is very important because the type of treatment used and the outlook for recovery depend on the stage of the cancer. The system used to stage adrenal cancer is the AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer) system. Stages are described using Roman numerals from 0 to IV (0 to 4). Some stages are further divided into A and B. As a rule, the lower the number, the less the cancer has spread. A higher number, such as stage IV (4), means a more advanced cancer.

As your doctor about the stage of your cancer and what that might mean for treatment.

Adrenal cancer survival rates

Because the number of cases of adrenal cancer is so small, the survival rates are only estimates. Also, the cancer itself has certain features that make it more or less likely to grow fast and spread. While the numbers below give an overall picture, keep in mind that every person's situation is unique and the statistics can't predict exactly what will happen in your case. Talk with your cancer care team if you have questions about your personal chances of a cure, or how long you might survive your cancer. They know your situation best.

The 5-year survival rate refers to the percentage of patients who live at least 5 years after their cancer is found. Of course, many people live much longer than 5 years. Five-year relative survival rates leave out people who die of other causes. This is a better way to see the effect of that cancer on survival. These rates are also based on people first treated more than 5 years ago. Improved treatments often mean better survival rates for patients now.

Approximate survival rates for adrenal cortical cancer*

* These numbers are from the National Cancer Institute's SEER program, which collects data about cancer cases from all over the country.

Last Medical Review: 11/04/2009
Last Revised: 11/04/2009