Adrenal Cancer – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Adrenal cancer develops in the adrenal glands, which are small triangular structures positioned on top of the kidneys. Despite their small size, these glands play crucial roles in regulating metabolism, blood pressure, and other vital bodily functions through hormone production.
This rare cancer can affect people of any age. However, it appears most frequently in children under 5 years old and adults between 40 and 50 years of age. The medical term for this condition is adrenocortical carcinoma.
Early detection of adrenal cancer offers the best chance for successful treatment. Once the cancer spreads beyond the adrenal glands, treatment options focus on preventing further spread rather than complete cure.
It’s important to note that most growths in the adrenal glands are benign (non-cancerous). For example, adrenal adenomas are common non-cancerous growths that develop in these glands.
What are adrenal glands?
The adrenal glands are small, triangle-shaped organs that sit on top of each kidney. These glands are about the size of a walnut and play a key role in the body’s hormone system. Each person has two adrenal glands – one above each kidney.
These important glands make hormones that help control many body functions. The outer part of the gland (adrenal cortex) makes hormones like cortisol and aldosterone.
Cortisol helps the body respond to stress and affects blood sugar levels. Aldosterone helps control blood pressure by managing salt and water balance.
The inner part of the adrenal gland (adrenal medulla) makes hormones called catecholamines, including:
- Adrenaline (epinephrine)
- Noradrenaline (norepinephrine)
- Dopamine
These hormones help your body react to stress by increasing heart rate and blood pressure. They prepare the body for “fight or flight” responses during times of danger or excitement.
When adrenal glands don’t work properly, they may produce too much or too little of certain hormones. This imbalance can lead to various health problems, including adrenal cancer in rare cases.
Signs and Symptoms
Adrenal cancer often causes several physical symptoms that patients may notice. Common symptoms include pain in the back or abdomen, unintentional weight loss, and decreased appetite. These symptoms might develop gradually or appear suddenly.
Many people with adrenal cancer experience body changes caused by hormone imbalances. The cancer cells often produce excess hormones, most commonly cortisol. This can lead to Cushing syndrome, which has several noticeable signs:
- Weight gain, especially in the face and trunk
- Muscle weakness
- Pink or purple stretch marks appearing on the skin
- Easy bruising even from minor injuries
- High blood pressure
- Elevated blood sugar levels or diabetes
Sometimes adrenal cancer produces sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone. For women, this might cause:
- Excessive facial hair growth
- Hair loss from the head
- Irregular menstrual periods
For men, these hormone changes can lead to:
- Shrinking testicles
- Development of breast tissue
In rare cases, adrenal cancer produces aldosterone, which can cause high blood pressure and low blood potassium levels.
When to Contact a Doctor
If you notice any concerning symptoms, especially unexplained weight changes, persistent pain, or unusual physical changes, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider promptly.
Early evaluation can help determine the cause of your symptoms and guide appropriate treatment.
Causes
Scientists don’t fully understand what causes adrenal cancer. Research points to changes in DNA within adrenal gland cells as the main trigger. DNA acts like an instruction manual for cells, telling them when to grow, divide, and die.
When DNA changes occur, these instructions become faulty. The altered cells begin to multiply too quickly and don’t die when they should. This uncontrolled growth leads to an excess of cells that can form tumors.
These tumors may:
- Invade nearby healthy tissue
- Damage normal adrenal gland function
- Break away and spread to other body parts
When cancer cells spread beyond their original location to other areas of the body, doctors call this metastatic cancer. This spreading makes treatment more challenging.
The DNA changes that lead to adrenal cancer can happen randomly or might be linked to certain inherited conditions, though this connection needs more research to fully understand.
Health Risk Factors
Genetic Conditions
Several inherited conditions can increase the risk of adrenal cancer. These include Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, Familial adenomatous polyposis, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Lynch syndrome, and Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1).
People with these conditions should discuss monitoring options with their healthcare provider.
Family History
Having relatives with adrenal cancer or related genetic conditions can raise your risk. It’s important to know your family medical history and share this information with your doctor during checkups.
Age and Gender
Adrenal cancer can affect people of any age, but certain patterns exist based on age and gender. Different types of adrenal tumors may be more common in specific age groups or may affect one gender more than the other.
Hormonal Overproduction
When adrenal glands produce excess hormones, this imbalance can sometimes contribute to tumor development. Regular hormone level checks may help identify problems early.
Exposure to Radiation or Certain Chemicals
Some environmental factors may increase risk. These include:
- Previous radiation therapy
- Exposure to certain industrial chemicals
- Long-term contact with specific pollutants
Adrenal Gland Disorders
People with existing adrenal conditions may face higher risks. This includes those with adrenal adenomas (benign tumors) or disorders affecting adrenal function.
