Adrenal Cancer
Adrenal Cancer is a rare cancer that begins in the adrenal glands (two small glands located on top of each kidney). These glands produce hormones that regulate essential body functions such as metabolism, blood pressure, and stress response.
Early symptoms of adrenal cancer may be subtle or mistaken for other conditions. These can include unexplained weight gain or loss, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, excessive hair growth (especially in women), changes in libido, or abdominal pain. Symptoms often depend on whether the tumor is producing excess hormones (functioning tumor) or not.
Diagnosis and staging typically involve blood and urine tests to check hormone levels, imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs, and sometimes a biopsy. However, adrenal tumors are often removed without biopsy due to the risk of spreading cancer cells.
Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and whether the tumor is producing hormones. Options may include surgery (especially adrenalectomy, the removal of the adrenal gland), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or medications that block hormone production.
Types of adrenal cancer include:
- Adrenocortical Carcinoma (ACC): The most common malignant adrenal tumor. It starts in the outer layer (cortex) of the adrenal gland. ACC can be aggressive and may produce excess hormones like cortisol or androgens.
- Pheochromocytoma (Malignant): A rare cancer that starts in the inner part (medulla) of the adrenal gland. It may produce adrenaline and cause symptoms like high blood pressure, sweating, and anxiety.
- Neuroblastoma: A cancer mostly affecting children, which can begin in the adrenal medulla. It’s a different type of cancer from those typically found in adults.
- Metastatic Adrenal Tumors: Sometimes, cancers from other parts of the body (like lung, breast, or kidney) can spread (metastasize) to the adrenal glands.
Because adrenal cancer is rare and often aggressive, early detection and expert care are crucial.
For more information about adrenal cancer, please visit the organizations listed below.
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External Resources
Organizations for Adrenal Cancer
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