ADRENAL CANCER

Overview

Adrenal cancer is a rare disease originating in the adrenal glands, and is caused by the excess production of cortisol, aldosterone, androgens, and other hormones. Functioning tumors found in the adrenal glands are responsible for excess hormone production.

The most common type of adrenal cancer originates in the adrenal cortex and is called, adrenocortical carcinoma. Cancers developing in the adrenal cortex include neuroblastoma and pheochromocytom. Neuroblastoma occurs in infants and children, while pheochromocytom cancers develop later in life, typically people in their 30s to 40s. Additionally, it is possible for other types of cancer (i.e, prostate, lung, breast, kidney, etc.) to spread, or metastasize, to the adrenal glands.

Risk Factors 

The cause of adrenal cancer is unknown. In some case, genetic factors seem to predispose people to this cancer. Other genetic syndromes associated with adrenal cancer include: Turcot syndrome, Familial polyposis, Cowden syndrome, Carney triad, and Gardner syndrome. In these cases, testing may be recommended for early diagnosis and prevention. The goal as always is to treat with minimally invasive procedures first.

Symptoms

Adrenal cancer symptoms and treatment depend on whether the tumor is functioning or non-functioning.  Functioning and non-functioning tumors may cause the following symptoms:

·          Fever

·          Abdominal pain

·          Sensations of abdominal fullness and mass

·          Weight loss

Adrenal cancer does not always produce symptoms, or can be masked by the overproduction of of benign hormones like testosterone. Additional symptoms depend on which hormones are being overproduced.

Other adrenal cancer complications include Cushing’s syndrome and Conn’s syndrome. Approximately 30-40% of patients with Cushing’s syndrome and an adrenal mass are diagnosed with adrenal cancer. Conn’s syndrome is caused by excessive aldosterone production in the adrenal cortex.

Symptoms for these adrenal cancers may include:

Cushing’s syndrome

Menstruation problems

Bruising

Excessive facial and body hair growth (women)

Flushing

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Diabetes, hyperglycemia

Isolated and accentuated weight gain (face, neck, abdomen)

Osteoporosis (loss in bone mass)

Retarded growth in children

Muscle stretch marks

Physical weakness

Conn’s syndrome

Excessive thirst

Excessive urination

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Reduced potassium levels in the blood

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of adrenal cancer consists of taking blood tests, imaging tests (CT scan or MRI), physical examination, and a biopsy. Family history of adrenal cancer is important as well as history of symptoms, see above. A physical examination includes feeling the abdomen for evidence of adrenal mass.