Singer Devin Lima Was Diagnosed with Adrenal Cancer. Here's What You Need to Know

LFO singer Devin Lima has been diagnosed with stage 4 adrenal cancer, bandmate Brad Fischetti announced in an emotional video on Monday.

The “Summer Girls” singer got his diagnosis a week after doctors removed a tumor from his adrenal gland, and seven years after bandmate Rich Cronin died of leukemia. According to Fischetti’s video, the disease had begun to invade one of Lima’s kidneys, which was also removed.

“Devin is so overwhelmed by the amount of love and prayers from around the world and thanks each and every one of you for your thoughts,” Lima's publicist, Alaina Bendi, said in a statement. “He is home now with his family resting comfortably while he awaits his upcoming treatment plans.”
Here's everything you need to know about adrenal cancer.

What is adrenal cancer?

Adrenal cancer happens when abnormal cells enter the adrenal glands, which are located just above the kidneys. Most tumors affect the glands' cortex, which produces hormones that regulate stress, sex, and blood pressure. Doctors aren't totally sure what causes many cases of adrenal cancer, but they know that the illness rarely starts there; instead, it often begins in other organs or tissues and then spreads through the bloodstream, according to the American Cancer Society. Lima's cancer, however, did originate in the adrenal gland, Fischetti said in the video.

What are the symptoms of adrenal cancer?

Adrenal cancer can cause a wide variety of symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Some signs, such as weight gain, hair growth and menstrual irregularities, have to do with fluctuating hormone levels, while more general symptoms include bruising, muscle cramping, weakness, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and low blood potassium levels.

How is adrenal cancer treated?

Like most cancers, the course of treatment depends on the stage, according to the American Cancer Society. If it's caught early, adrenal cancer may be treated simply by removing the affected adrenal gland and any nearby lymph nodes that appear enlarged and may be cancerous. If the disease has begun to spread, however, it may be necessary to use radiation and chemotherapy on top of surgery. Lima, who has stage 4 cancer, will need this course of treatment, Fischetti said in the video.

What's the prognosis for adrenal cancer?

The adrenal cancer survival rate varies depending on the stage. Around 65% percent of people with cancer only in the adrenal gland will survive for at least five years, the American Cancer Society estimates. That percentage drops to 44% when the cancer begins to spread to nearby organs, and 7% when it spreads throughout the body.