Adrenal masses include various types of tumors that grow on the adrenal gland. These tumors can cause an increase in the hormones normally produced by the gland. This increased hormone production is rare, but can lead to a variety of symptoms that can be linked to the adrenal mass. Understanding the possible symptoms of an adrenal mass can help in the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder.
Abdominal Growth
In some cases of adrenal masses, the patient will notice the development of an abdominal mass as the disease progresses, reports the National Cancer Institute. The growth is due to the mass growing large enough to produce on an effect on the tissues above the adrenal gland. Adrenocortical cortical cancer is the most common adrenal mass that produces an abdominal growth. The abdominal mass may also be accompanied by pain located in the abdomen or the back.
Increased Blood Pressure
Some adrenal masses cause increased production of the hormones epinephrine and aldosterone. These masses can cause a massive increase in blood pressure due to the increased hormone levels, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Epinephrine and aldosterone usually causes a temporary increase in blood pressure when the patient is under stress. Abnormally high levels of epinephrine can lead to a dangerously high blood pressure, which can damage blood vessels and other organs.
Unusual Acne
Acne that develops suddenly and in multiple areas of the patients face and body can be a sign of an adrenal mass, states Cancer.Net. The adrenal mass can cause a significant increase in sex hormones produced in the adrenal gland. These sex hormones can stimulate the growth of acne on the body and face. The acne growth is usually sudden and persistent. This type of acne usually does not respond well to dermatologic treatments, and will usually require more advanced care.
Weight Gain
Adrenal masses can cause the excess production of a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol plays a role in fatty tissue deposition and the metabolism of certain tissues within the body. Increased cortisol levels can lead to weight gain especially in the face, neck and trunk of the body, according to the National Cancer Institute. Patients will develop a full, round face that is described as a moon-like face. A lump of fat will develop on the patients back and shoulder region. Patients with excess cortisol levels will have large depositions of fat in the central portion of the body, but will have thin arms and legs.
Abnormal Hair Growth
Patients with an abdominal mass can present with excessive and abnormal hair growth as a symptom, reports Cancer.Net. The excess hormone levels caused by the adrenal gland mass can cause the patient to develop significant hair growth on the arms, face and upper back.
