adrenal gland cancer

What is Adrenal Gland Cancer?

Adrenal gland cancer, also known as adrenocortical carcinoma, is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that affects the adrenal glands, which are two small triangular-shaped glands located on top of each kidney.

Possible Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Gland Cancer

Adrenal gland cancer can manifest in various ways, depending on the type of hormone produced by the tumor. Here are some possible signs and symptoms:

• Hormonal Changes: High levels of hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, or estrogen can cause a range of symptoms [1][2].
• Weight Gain or Loss: Unexplained weight gain or loss can be an early sign of adrenal cancer [3][4].
• Muscle Weakness and Fatigue: Muscle weakness and fatigue are common symptoms of adrenal cancer, especially if the tumor is producing excess cortisol [5][6].
• High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure (hypertension) can be a symptom of adrenal cancer, particularly if the tumor is producing excess aldosterone [7][8].
• Deepening Voice and Increased Hair Growth: In women, adrenal cancer can cause deepening voice, increased hair growth on the face, chest, and back, and irregular periods [9][10].
• Abdominal Pain or Fullness: A lump in the abdomen, feeling full sooner than normal after eating, or feeling full after a small meal can be symptoms of adrenal cancer [11][12].

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, and only a medical professional can accurately diagnose adrenal gland cancer. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.

References:

[1] Context 3: Adrenal gland tumors may or may not cause symptoms, which depend on the type of hormone made by the tumor. [2] Context 12: Changes in certain hormone levels can cause symptoms of adrenal cancer. [3] Context 6: Nov 22, 2023 — Key Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Cancer · Hormonal Changes · Unexplained Weight Gain or Weight Loss [4] Context 5: pain in the abdomen or back · feeling of fullness in the abdomen · a lump in the abdomen · feeling full sooner than normal after eating, or feeling full after ... [5] Context 6: Nov 22, 2023 — Key Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Cancer · Hormonal Changes · Unexplained Weight Gain or Weight Loss · Muscle Weakness and Fatigue [6] Context 4: Symptoms of adrenal cancer might include weight gain, muscle weakness, trouble sleeping, deepening voice and increased hair growth, usually on the face (in ... [7] Context 7: Symptoms. These are possible signs of adrenal cancer: High blood pressure, either all the time or occasionally. [8] Context 11: Symptoms of Adrenal Gland Disease and Adrenal Tumors ... Aldosterone-producing adrenocortical cancer, although rare, can lead to signs and symptoms of primary hyperaldosteronism. [9] Context 3: Adrenal gland tumors may or may not cause symptoms, which depend on the type of hormone made by the tumor. If you have an adrenal gland tumor that produces excess estrogen, you may experience symptoms such as deepening voice and increased hair growth. [10] Context 12: Changes in certain hormone levels can cause symptoms of adrenal cancer. In women, adrenal cancer can cause deepening voice, increased hair growth on the face, chest, and back, and irregular periods. [11] Context 5: pain in the abdomen or back · feeling of fullness in the abdomen · a lump in the abdomen · feeling full sooner than normal after eating, or feeling full after ... [12] Context 6: Nov 22, 2023 — Key Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Cancer · Hormonal Changes · Unexplained Weight Gain or Weight Loss · Muscle Weakness and Fatigue · Abdominal Pain or Fullness

Diagnostic Tests for Adrenal Gland Cancer

Adrenal gland cancer can be diagnosed using various tests, which help measure hormone levels, visualize the tumor, and rule out other conditions. Here are some diagnostic tests used to diagnose adrenal gland cancer:

• Blood and Urine Tests: These tests measure the levels of hormones produced by the adrenal glands, such as cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens. Elevated levels can indicate a functional tumor [1][2].
• Imaging Tests: Computed Tomography (CT) scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, and Ultrasound are used to visualize the adrenal gland and detect any tumors or abnormalities [3][4][5].
• 24-hour Urine Test: This test measures the levels of hormones produced by the adrenal gland over a 24-hour period, including cortisol, adrenaline, and derivatives of estrogen and testosterone (17-ketosteroids) [6].
• Biopsy: A biopsy may be performed to determine if tumors located outside the adrenal glands are related to the adrenal cancer or caused by another cancer or condition [13].

It's essential to note that a combination of these tests is often used to diagnose adrenal gland cancer, as each test provides different information about the tumor and its effects on the body.

References:

[1] Context 1 [2] Context 8 [3] Context 5 [4] Context 6 [5] Context 7 [6] Context 4

The differential diagnosis of adrenal gland cancer involves considering various conditions that can present similarly to adrenal carcinoma. According to [6], the principal differential diagnosis includes:

• Adrenal metastasis from another tumor
• Pheochromocytoma
• Adrenal cyst (which may be a cystic adrenocortical carcinoma, benign cyst such as bronchogenic or retroperitoneal cyst, or cystic pheochromocytoma)
• Ganglioneuroma
• Sarcoma
• Lymphoma

Additionally, [10] notes that adrenal metastases are the most common malignant lesions involving the adrenal gland and can be a part of the differential diagnosis.

The imaging appearances of infection within the adrenal gland, as mentioned in [9], can also be considered in the differential diagnosis. However, these appearances are generally nonspecific and can be seen as soft-tissue masses and cystic changes with or without calcification.

It's essential to note that the differential diagnosis of an adrenal mass is broad, including a number of benign and malignant conditions, as summarized in [13]. A comprehensive evaluation by an endocrinologist familiar with adrenal gland tumors is crucial to determine the correct diagnosis.