How long can you live after adrenal tumor removal?

The survival time after adrenal tumor resection varies from person to person and is usually related to whether the tumor is benign or malignant, postoperative physical recovery, control of related complications, and follow-up treatment. Scientific postoperative management and a healthy lifestyle can significantly improve the quality of life and prolong life.

1 Causes and effects of sequelae of adrenal tumor resection

Postoperative sequelae may be related to surgical trauma, hormone level disorders, and potential complications such as infection, thrombosis, and endocrine dysfunction. The adrenal glands are responsible for the secretion of multiple hormones. Surgery may lead to reduced or unbalanced hormone secretion. For example, a lack of corticosteroids may cause fatigue, hypotension, and other problems. If the tumor is malignant after surgery, the risk of cancer recurrence and metastasis must also be considered. Regular evaluation and intervention after surgery are critical and lay the foundation for the patient's long-term health.

2 Postoperative management recommendations

1. Drug treatment: Hormone replacement therapy is a common option, such as taking mineralocorticoids or glucocorticoids to maintain hormone balance in the body. At the same time, depending on the type of tumor, it may be necessary to continue to use anti-tumor drugs, such as phenoxyamines and chemotherapy drugs for pheochromocytoma.

2 Subsequent examination and follow-up: Regular examinations are required after surgery to pay attention to whether endocrine function is abnormal and to exclude the possibility of tumor recurrence. Routine items include blood pressure monitoring, hormone level testing and imaging examinations. Patients with malignant tumors may require more detailed imaging evaluations such as PET-CT.

3. Diet and work and rest adjustment: After surgery, you should avoid excessive fatigue and eat more nutritious and easily digestible foods, such as fish, eggs, and fresh vegetables, which are rich in protein and vitamins. At the same time, maintaining a regular work and rest schedule and moderate exercise can help the body gradually restore balance.

3 Prognosis and survival time

For patients with benign adrenal tumors, the surgical cure rate is high. If the postoperative sequelae can be well controlled, most patients can return to a normal life span. For malignant tumors, attention should be paid to factors such as staging and whether metastasis has occurred. Active cooperation with follow-up treatment can improve survival time and quality of life. For example, according to research, the five-year survival rate of patients who receive multidisciplinary treatment after surgery is significantly improved.

After adrenal tumor resection, the key to prognosis lies in good postoperative management and complication control. Regardless of the nature of the tumor, patients need long-term follow-up and treatment under the guidance of professional doctors, while maintaining good living habits to provide guarantees for prolonging life and improving quality of life.