Adrenal Cancer Symptoms

Adrenal cancer is a rare disease that affects the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys. The vast majority of adrenal tumors are benign and require no treatment.

Statistics

• According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, approximately 1 out of 1 million people in the world develop adrenal cancer. This proves how incredibly rare this disease is.

Functions of the Adrenal Gland

• There are two parts of the adrenal gland, the adrenal medulla and the adrenal cortex. The adrenal medulla secretes hormones that help people cope with both emotional and physical stress. The adrenal cortex secretes hormones that have an affect on chemicals in the blood, certain body characteristics and metabolism.

Types of Adrenal Cancer

• Adrenocortical carcinoma is the most common type of adrenal cancer. Pheochromocytoma is an extremely rare form of adrenal cancer that mainly affects people in their 30s and 40s. Neuroblastoma is a type of adrenal cancer that usually affects infants and children.

Symptoms of Adrenal Cancer

• Adrenal cancer patients usually experience no symptoms. However, the following symptoms may present themselves: abdominal mass, fever, weight loss, abdominal pain and a constant full feeling in the stomach.

Cushing's Syndrome

• A functioning adrenocortical tumor may produce too much hydrocortisone and develop into Cushing's syndrome. This is a hormonal disorder that causes different symptoms than those associated with adrenal cancer. Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include: high blood pressure, severe acne, weakness, hirsutism, amenorrhea, slow growth in children, abdominal stretch marks and osteoporosis.