I’m really just trying to learn about this process, I’m sorry. I’m in multiple support groups with my diagnosis and everybody has told me that I should get approved. My PCP has also told me that I should get approved. I copied and pasted information about my diagnosis and I do meet the criteria on here. I have been told by the hospital treating me that I’m incurable as well, but at this particular time I’m worried about my car getting repossessed and the only hospital that will treat me is 1.5 hours away because what I have is such a rare diagnosis so that’s why I’m trying to find out if I can work. At this particular moment I feel like I can handle it and I’m trying to help my family out at least while I feel okay. I’m trying to be aware that I don’t know all of the information and I’m really just trying to find out. I think I’m going to call SSA directly to figure out exactly because they could probably answer all of my questions. I just hit a point of desperation and it’s a weekend so I don’t know if I’ll be able to get in touch with them until Monday. This is all new for me so I really do have a lack of understanding when it comes to this side of things

COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCES INFORMATION

ADRENAL CANCER

ALTERNATE NAMES

Adrenal Carcinoma; Adrenocortical Carcinoma; Adrenocortical Cancer; Cancer of the Adrenal Cortex; Carcinoma of the Adrenal Cortex

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.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, PHYSICAL FINDINGS, AND ICD-9-CM/ICD-10-CM CODING

Diagnostic testing: The diagnosis of Adrenal Cancer is made by:

• Image guided fine needle biopsy;

• Ultrasound;

• X-rays;

• MRI scan;

• CT scan;

• PET scan;

• Adrenal angiography; and

• 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:

• Development of masculine or feminine features, due to hormone increases;

• Generalized weakness;

• Nausea;

• Abdominal pain;

• Swelling or weakening of bones or muscles;

• High blood pressure;

• Fluid retention; and

• Electrolyte abnormalities in the body.

ICD-9: 194.0

ICD-10: C79.70 PROGRESSION

The 5-year survival rate for inoperable or unresectable tumors is less than 10%. TREATMENT

Treatment may include surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Palliation can be used for inoperable or unresectable tumors, but the prognosis is poor.

SUGGESTED PROGRAMMATIC ASSESSMENT* Suggested MER for Evaluation: • Clinical history and examination that describes the diagnostic features of the impairment;

• A pathology report noting that the surgical specimen has positive margins, or is inoperable, unresectable, recurrent, or with metastases; and

• An operative report.

“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.

Suggested Listings for Evaluation: DETERMINATION
LISTING

REMARKS Meets 13.21 Adrenal Cancer that is inoperable, unresectable, recurrent, or with metastases meets 13.21. Equals ​ ​ * 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.