Adrenal Cancer Symptoms

Adrenal cancer affects the adrenal gland  and are known for their overproduction of endocrine hormones.  Adrenal cancer is difficult to detect early on.  Usually, the tumor must grow large before it’s discovered.  Because children react more to the hormones created by these tumors, it’s commonly found earlier than similar cancer found in adults.    Amongst adults, adrenal cancer is often detected accidentally during CT scans.  Types of adrenal tumors include neuroblastoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, and adrenal pheochromocytomas.

Adrenal cancer symptoms caused by androgen hormones include:

- Excessive hair growth (facial, pubic, underarm)
- An enlarged penis (boys)
- An enlarged clitoris (girls)
- Voice deepening (women)
- Irregular periods (women)

Adrenal cancer symptoms caused by estrogen hormones include:

- Early puberty (girls)
- Englared breasts (girls and boys)
- Reduced sex-drive (men)

Adrenal cancer symptoms caused by high levels of cortisol (Cushing Syndrome) include:

- Weight gain (chest & stomach)
- Fat deposits (neck & shoulders)
- Purple stretch marks (stomach)
- Hair growth on face, chest & back (women)
- Irregular periods (women)
- Leg weakness
- Increased susceptibility to bruising
- Elevated irritability and depression
- Weakening of bones
- Increased blood sugar levels
- Higher blood pressure

Adrenal cancer symptoms caused by high levels of aldosterone include:

- Higher blood pressure
- Feelings of weakness
- Occurrences of muscle cramps
- Thirstiness
- Frequent urination

Adrenal cancer symptoms caused by a swollen tumor include:

- Pain
- A fullness sensation within the stomach
- Trouble eating due to the feeling of fullness

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, consult your physician immediately.  Early detection is vital to the survival rate of adrenal cancer and the sooner this condition is detected, the more successful your treatment will be.