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Adrenocortical Carcinoma Symptoms

Adrenocortical carcinoma is a cancer that strikes the adrenal gland. According to the University of Wisconsin, it is a condition most commonly found in children under the age of 5, or in adults over the age of 30. Diagnosis of the condition is normally done with an imaging test such as a CT scan or ultrasound, and a blood test. Treatment is normally surgery to remove the infection because adrenocortical carcinoma does not respond well to chemotherapy drugs or radiation treatment.

  1. Weight Changes

    • One of the symptoms of adrenocortical carcinoma that becomes noticeable over time is a gradual weight gain. Even if you were in perfect health prior to the onset of the condition, you may find yourself overweight after a period of unexplained weight gain. Initially it may show up in your face, as pudgy cheeks and rounder face are initial symptoms of adrenocortical carcinoma. You may also experience severe and unexplained weight loss as a symptom of adrenocortical carcinoma. Normally you would have one weight change or the other; it is unusual to experience obesity followed by severe weight loss.

    Growth Symptoms

    • One of the symptoms of adrenocortical carcinoma that affects younger people that are still developing is that it may stunt your growth, causing you to end up with a short stature. You may also notice that a hump will begin to grow on your back just below your neck. This hump is usually made up of fatty material, and is soft to the touch. You do not have to be a young person to develop this hump.

    Pain

    • One of the more common symptoms of adrenocortical carcinoma is severe abdominal pain. The pain may come and go, but as the condition advances the abdominal pain could become chronic until the condition is treated.

    Exaggerated Features

    • One of the more unique symptoms of adrenocortical carcinoma is that your sexual characteristics may become exaggerated. Males may experience a deepening of the voice, rapid hair growth which include body and facial hair, and they may also have bouts with acne. Females may also experience acne and also an enlarging of the clitoris.

    Bones

    • As adrenocortical carcinoma advances, you may experience symptoms associated with your bones. Your bones may become weaker and more brittle, which may lead to easier bone fractures. You may also experience pain that may seem to originate from your bones, and you may also begin to feel discomfort in your joints.

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