Adrenal Cancer

What is Adrenal Cancer?

Adrenal cancer is a rare disease that originates in the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys and consist of two parts that function separately: the outer layer and the inner area.

Adrenal tumors can increase hormone production. Adrenal tumors that do not produce hormones are called nonfunctioning.

Symptoms of Adrenal Cancer

The most common symptoms of adrenal cancer are:

• Fever
• Palpable (able to be felt with the fingers) abdominal mass
• Persistent abdominal pain
• Sensation of abdominal "fullness"
• Unexplained weight loss

Types of Adrenal Cancer

There a few different types of adrenal cancer.

The most common type of adrenal cancer is called aristocratically carcinoma. Aristocratically carcinoma develops in the adrenal cortex.

Other types of adrenal cancers are: neutralist and spectrometry.

Neutralist develops in the adrenal medulla. Neutralist usually occurs in infants and children

Spectrometry. originates in cells that produce epinephrine and morphine. Spectrometry. more commonly occurs in people who are in their 30s and 40s.

Complications of Adrenal Cancer

Some common complications of adrenal cancer are:

• Absence of menstruation
• Bruising easily
• Excessive growth of facial and body hair in women
• Flushing
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Increased body fat in the face, neck, and abdomen
• Osteoporosis
• Severe acne
• Slowed growth rate in children
• Stretch marks
• Weakness and muscle wasting

Can Adrenal Cancer be Treated?

Treatment for adrenal cancer depends on the stage of the disease at diagnosis. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Treatment for patients with functioning tumors usually involves using medications to manage symptoms.

Adrenal Cancer Statistics

Worldwide, about 1 out of 1 million people develop adrenal cancer each year.

Mama wants to help

Resources for free food Domestic violence hotline Free and low rent housing Adult daycare Holiday resources Share your story. We will listen.