Overview
Adrenal cancer is a rare type of cancer that originates in one or both of the adrenal glands, which are small triangular glands located on top of the kidneys. Adrenal glands produce essential hormones that regulate various bodily functions. Adrenal cancer, also known as adrenocortical cancer, can occur at any age but is most likely to affect children under 5 and adults in their 40s and 50s. Early detection is crucial for curing adrenal cancer, but if it has spread beyond the adrenal glands, the chances of a cure decrease. Treatment aims to delay progression or recurrence. Benign adrenal tumors, such as adenoma or pheochromocytoma, can also develop in the adrenal glands. Symptoms of adrenal cancer may include weight gain, muscle weakness, pink or purple stretch marks on the skin, hormone changes in women causing excess facial hair, hair loss on the head, and irregular periods, and in men, enlarged breast tissue and shrinking testicles, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, back pain, fever, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss. The exact cause of adrenal cancer is unknown, but mutations in the DNA of adrenal gland cells can lead to the formation of tumors.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of adrenal cancer include weight gain, muscle weakness, pink or purple stretch marks on the skin, hormone changes in women that might cause excess facial hair, hair loss on the head and irregular periods, hormone changes in men that might cause enlarged breast tissue and shrinking testicles, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, back pain, fever, loss of appetite, and loss of weight without trying.
Risk Factors
The risk factors for developing adrenal cancer are not fully understood, but some inherited syndromes increase the risk. These include Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, Carney complex, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Lynch syndrome, and Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 (MEN 1). In most cases, the exact cause of adrenal cancer is unknown, as it likely involves mutations in the DNA of adrenal gland cells.
Development
Adrenal cancer develops when changes (mutations) occur in the DNA of an adrenal gland cell. These mutations can cause the cell to multiply uncontrollably and to continue living when healthy cells would die. The accumulation of abnormal cells forms a tumor, and the tumor cells can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Adrenal cancer can occur at any age but is most likely to affect children younger than 5 and adults in their 40s and 50s. While most growths that form in the adrenal glands are noncancerous (benign), they can also develop adrenal tumors such as adenoma or pheochromocytoma.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Diagnosis
To diagnose adrenal cancer, your doctor will likely use a combination of tests and procedures, including blood and urine tests, imaging tests, and laboratory analysis of the adrenal gland. Blood and urine tests may reveal unusual levels of hormones produced by the adrenal glands, while imaging tests like CT, MRI, or PET scans can help determine the presence and extent of any growths on the adrenal glands. In some cases, your doctor may recommend removing the affected adrenal gland for laboratory analysis by a pathologist to confirm the presence of cancer and determine the type of cells involved.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Complications of adrenal cancer include:
- Addisonian crisis: This is a life-threatening situation that occurs due to stress on the body, such as injury, infection, or illness. Untreated Addison's disease can lead to an addisonian crisis, characterized by low blood pressure, low blood sugar levels, and high potassium levels.
- Other autoimmune diseases: People with Addison's disease often have related autoimmune diseases.
- Problems with eyesight, including vision loss.
- High blood pressure.
- High blood sugar.
- Bone loss.
- Heart problems.
- Problems with thinking and memory.
- Seizures: If a pituitary tumor presses on the medial temporal lobe of the brain, it can cause seizures.
- Permanent low hormone levels: Having a pituitary tumor or having it removed with surgery may permanently change the body's hormone supply, requiring hormone replacement therapy for the rest of one's life.
Home Remedies
For personalized advice and professional guidance, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.
Treatment
The treatments for adrenal cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, medications, and sometimes a "wait-and-see" approach. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the cancer's stage, location, and the patient's overall health. Surgery to remove the tumor is often the first treatment option when possible, as it can provide the best chance for a cure. In some cases, medications or radiation therapy may be used to control the cancer's growth. Hormone levels may also be managed with medications.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for adrenal cancer, you can follow these steps:
- Make an appointment with your doctor or a specialist, such as an endocrinologist or an oncologist, if you notice any symptoms that worry you.
- Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions or requirements, such as fasting before certain tests or bringing previous medical records.
- Make a list of your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to adrenal cancer, and when they began.
- Write down any key personal information, such as major stresses, recent life changes, and family medical history.
- Compile a list of all medications, vitamins, or supplements you're currently taking.
- Consider bringing a family member or friend along for support and to help remember important information discussed during the appointment.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor during the appointment.
- Practice relaxation exercises, such as guided imagery or progressive muscle relaxation, to help manage stress and anxiety surrounding the appointment. Remember to be open and honest with your doctor about your concerns and any symptoms you're experiencing. This will help ensure you receive the most accurate and appropriate care.