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Diagnosis/Education
The cortex produces three major hormones: cortisol (a glucocorticoid), aldosterone (a mineralocorticoid), and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA; an androgen). The medulla produces epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine, and dopamine.
Adrenal tumors can increase hormone production (called functioning tumors). Adrenal tumors that do not produce hormones are called nonfunctioning. Symptoms of adrenal cancer and treatment for the condition depend on whether the tumor is functioning or nonfunctioning, and on which hormone is being overproduced.
The cause of adrenal cancer is unknown and most cases do not have identifiable risk factors. Adrenal cancer cannot be prevented.
Adrenal cancer does not always produce symptoms. Both nonfunctioning adrenocortical carcinomas and large functioning tumors may cause the following:
- Fever
- Palpable (able to be felt with the fingers) abdominal mass
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Sensation of abdominal "fullness"
- Weight loss
Choosing the Treatment That's Right for You
Treatment for adrenal cancer depends on the stage of the disease at diagnosis. Options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Treatment for patients with functioning tumors usually involves using medications to manage symptoms.
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Medications
- Radiation Therapy
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