Adrenal Cancer

What are the Adrenal Glands?

The adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped organs located on top of each kidney. They are made up of two main parts that produce different types of hormones essential for normal body function. The outer portion, known as the adrenal cortex, produces steroid hormones such as aldosterone and cortisol. The inner portion, called the adrenal medulla, produces hormones including adrenaline and noradrenaline.

These hormones play an important role in regulating many processes in the body. They help control your response to stress, support metabolism, regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and maintain the proper balance of sodium and potassium. Proper adrenal function is essential for maintaining overall health and stability in the body’s systems.

What Causes Adrenal Cancer?

Adrenal cancer develops when abnormal cells form and grow within the adrenal glands. These cells can multiply uncontrollably and form a tumor that may interfere with normal hormone production. Although adrenal cancer is rare, it can occur at any age. It is seen most often in young children and in adults in their 40s and 50s.

The exact cause of adrenal cancer is not always known. However, certain inherited genetic conditions may increase the risk of developing the disease. These include disorders such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, Carney complex, and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). Individuals with these conditions may benefit from closer medical monitoring for early detection of adrenal abnormalities.

What are the Warning Signs of Adrenal Cancer?

Adrenal cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As the condition progresses, however, it can lead to a variety of symptoms—often related to hormone changes caused by the tumor.

Possible symptoms may include:

• Unintended weight gain or weight loss

• Muscle weakness

• Pink or purple stretch marks on the skin

• Nausea or vomiting

• Abdominal bloating

• Back pain

• Fever

• Loss of appetite

Because the adrenal glands produce hormones, adrenal cancer can also cause hormone-related symptoms. In women, this may include increased facial hair, thinning hair on the scalp, or irregular menstrual cycles. In men, hormonal changes may lead to gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue) or shrinking of the testicles. If these symptoms occur, a medical evaluation can help determine the cause and guide appropriate testing.

How is Adrenal Cancer Diagnosed?

To evaluate for adrenal cancer, your physician may begin with laboratory tests such as blood work and urinalysis to measure hormone levels and identify any abnormalities related to adrenal gland function.

Imaging studies are also commonly used to examine the adrenal glands and surrounding areas. These may include MRI scans, CT scans, or PET scans, which can help detect abnormal growths and determine whether cancer may have spread to nearby organs such as the lungs or liver.

If testing suggests the presence of adrenal cancer, additional evaluation may be needed. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to analyze a tissue sample. In other situations, the affected adrenal gland may be surgically removed so it can be thoroughly examined and tested for cancer.

How is Adrenal Cancer Treated?

If adrenal cancer is diagnosed, your physician will develop a treatment plan based on the stage of the cancer, your overall health, and other individual factors. Surgery is often the primary treatment and may involve removing the tumor or the entire affected adrenal gland.

During the procedure, the surgeon will also evaluate surrounding tissues and nearby organs to determine whether the cancer has spread. If necessary, additional abnormal tissue may be removed to help reduce the risk of recurrence.

In some cases, additional therapies may be recommended after surgery. These may include medications such as mitotane, which can help lower the risk of the cancer returning, as well as radiation therapy or chemotherapy to target any remaining cancer cells. A comprehensive treatment approach helps ensure that each patient receives care tailored to their specific condition and needs.