The adrenal glands are small hormone-secreting glands that are attached to the top of each kidney. Adrenal cancer, which is clinically called adrenocortical carcinoma, occurs when cells of the adrenal gland transform from normal cells into ones that divide uncontrollably and damage the surrounding normal adrenal tissue. There are multiple symptoms that adrenal cancer may cause, many of which have to do with the effects of altered hormone production from the adrenal glands.
Excess Cortisol
EndocrineWeb, a website that publishes information on endocrinology for the general public, reports that approximately 60 percent of adrenal cancers are identified because the affected person experiences bodily changes caused by excess hormone levels. One hormone that the adrenal gland produces is cortisol, and a cancerous tumor of the adrenal gland can cause overproduction of this and other hormones. The symptoms of excess cortisol production, according to the National Cancer Institute, include the appearance of a lump of fat on the back of the neck, weak muscles, high blood pressure and blood sugar levels, swollen sex organs and breasts in both men and women, weight gain in the face, neck and trunk, with skinny arms and legs, and abnormal hair growth on the arms, upper back and face.
Excess Estrogen
Excess estrogen production by an adrenal cancer tumor can be hard to detect in women between puberty and menopause. However, adrenal cancer in children and women after menopause may cause distinct symptoms, according to the American Cancer Society. For example, women who have already gone through menopause may experience vaginal bleeding, even though their periods have ceased due to menopause. Young females may experience precocious puberty, which is puberty in girls who are younger than the normal age of puberty and is caused by overproduction of estrogen. In men, excess estrogen production from the tumor can cause feminization such as growing breast tissue.
Excess Testosterone
The National Cancer Institute reports that overproduction of testosterone causes symptoms in women, but not often in men, who already have elevated levels of testosterone. In females, excess testosterone causes hair growth on the face, arms, upper back; balding; acne; a deeper voice; and loss of regular menstrual periods.
Excess Aldosterone
Aldosterone is a hormone that helps regulate the level of salt in the blood and tissues, such as muscles, according to the American Cancer Society. The National Cancer Institute adds that too much aldosterone in the body causes symptoms such as muscle cramps and/or weakness, excessive thirst and urination, and high blood pressure.
Effects of Tumor Size
Adrenal cancer tumors can grow strikingly large. The American Cancer Society reports that the average size of an adrenal cancer tumor is 5-in. in diameter. Large adrenal gland tumors can put pressure on other organs in the abdomen, such as the kidney and the liver. The tumor may cause a person to feel pain, pressure, or a feeling of fullness that suppresses their appetite. The loss of appetite over a period of time may cause the person to lose weight.
