What are the symptoms of adrenal cancer?
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Symptoms of Adrenal Cancer
Adrenal cancer, also known as adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), is a rare but aggressive malignancy of the adrenal glands. The symptoms of adrenal cancer can vary widely depending on the hormonal activity of the tumor and the extent of its growth. Below, we explore the common symptoms associated with adrenal cancer, supported by recent research findings.
Hormonal Symptoms: Hypercortisolism and Cushing’s Syndrome
One of the hallmark symptoms of adrenal cancer is the overproduction of hormones, particularly cortisol. This condition, known as hypercortisolism, often leads to Cushing’s Syndrome. Patients with Cushing’s Syndrome may experience a range of symptoms including weight gain, muscle weakness, and high blood pressure1 3. Chronic high levels of glucocorticoids can also stimulate aldosterone receptors, causing hypertension and hypokalemia (low potassium levels)1.
Physical Symptoms: Abdominal and Flank Pain
As the tumor grows, it can cause physical discomfort. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, flank pain, and a feeling of fullness or early satiety due to the mass effect of the tumor1. These symptoms are often indicative of significant tumor growth, typically when the tumor reaches a size of 10-13 cm1.
Non-Specific Symptoms: Fatigue and General Weakness
Fatigue and general weakness are frequently reported by patients with adrenal cancer. These symptoms can be easily overlooked as they are common in many other conditions, including other types of cancer and chemotherapy side effects7. General weakness was the most common symptom observed in a study of cancer patients with adrenal insufficiency7.
Rare and Atypical Presentations
In some cases, adrenal cancer can present with atypical symptoms. For instance, one study reported a patient with pale skin and non-specific abdominal pain, which led to a diagnosis of adrenal carcinoma2. Another case highlighted recurrent hypokalemia as an unusual presentation for metastatic adrenocortical cancer10.
Gender-Specific Symptoms
Research indicates that adrenal tumors are more common in females, and women may report more symptoms compared to men. Symptoms such as hirsutism (excessive hair growth) and virilization (development of male characteristics) in females, and gynecomastia (breast enlargement) and hypogonadism (reduced function of the gonads) in males, are associated with hormonal imbalances caused by the tumor4 10.
Conclusion
Adrenal cancer presents with a variety of symptoms, primarily driven by hormone excess and tumor growth. Common symptoms include signs of hypercortisolism, abdominal pain, and general weakness. However, atypical presentations can occur, making diagnosis challenging. Awareness of these symptoms can aid in early detection and improve patient outcomes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Rare Case of Huge Adrenocortical Carcinoma in Surprisingly Asymptomatic Patient
A 19-year-old female with elevated blood pressure was diagnosed with a large adrenal carcinoma with extensive metastases to the lungs, despite not having any symptoms.
Case Report
Rigorous JournalPreclinical Cushing's syndrome in adrenal "incidentalomas": comparison with adrenal Cushing's syndrome.
Incidentally diagnosed adrenal tumors with pathological cortisol secretion are more common than previously assumed, and adrenalectomy may improve hypertension, obesity, and NIDDM in these patients.
Highly CitedAdrenal tumours are more predominant in females regardless of their histological subtype: a review
Adrenal tumors are more prevalent in women than in men, with female patients experiencing increased symptoms of pheochromocytoma, despite the presence of various histological subtypes.
Systematic ReviewThe Gynecologic Aspects of Adrenal Tumors
Adrenal tumors can cause symptoms such as amenorrhoea, hypertrichosis, hirsutism, or infertility, and should be considered in gynecologic evaluations.
Case ReportThe pain, depression, and fatigue symptom cluster in advanced breast cancer: covariation with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system.
Stress hormones, specifically cortisol and epinephrine, may be a common mechanism for the co-occurrence of pain, depression, and fatigue symptoms in advanced breast cancer patients.
Observational StudyHighly CitedClinical Features and Risk Factors of Adrenal Insufficiency in Patients With Cancer Admitted to the Hospitalist-Managed Medical Unit
Adrenal insufficiency is found in about one-third of cancer patients with general symptoms, and clinical suspicion is important for diagnosis.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalAltered Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Function: A Potential Underlying Biological Pathway for Multiple Concurrent Symptoms in Patients With Advanced Lung Cancer
Altered HPA axis function may explain the clustering of core symptoms in advanced lung cancer patients.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalPediatric adrenal cortical carcinomas: Histopathological criteria and clinical trials. A systematic review.
Pediatric adrenal cortical carcinomas have a poor prognosis and require urgent international collaborative research to improve diagnosis and treatment options.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalRecurrent Hypokalemia as an Unusual Presentation for Metastatic Adrenocortical Cancer
Metastatic adrenocortical cancer can present with recurrent episodes of hypokalemia, making diagnosis difficult and management challenging.
Case ReportRigorous JournalTry another search
What are the potential health benefits and risks of psychedelics in mental health therapy?
What are the symptoms of stomach cancer?
what is research design
What are the roles of different types of protein in diet for muscle synthesis and overall health?
What are the signs of hormone imbalances in men?
what is stress?