The present role of adrenalectomy in breast cancer.

Evidence does not support the argument that surgical adrenalectomy carries too great a risk to justify its use in the treatment of advanced breast cancer. The increasing availability of methods of measuring tumour receptors will undoubtedly increase the level of accuracy in predicting response to surgical adrenalectomy. The operation itself is well within the scope of most experienced general surgeons. In view of the good quality of life for those who respond well and the possibility of prolonging survival far beyond that achieved by other treatment methods, there seems to be no reason why it should not continue to be recommended on a carefully selective basis to certain women with advanced and progressive breast cancer.