The adrenal glands are a set of two structures that sit atop the kidneys. The adrenal glands are endocrine glands, which produce and secrete several hormones that can signal to a number of tissues throughout the body. Cancer of the adrenal cortex, called adrenocortical carcinoma, develops due to genetic mutations in the epithelial cells that make up the outer portion of the adrenal gland, leading to the formation of a cancerous tumor. Cancer growth on the adrenal gland can cause a number of symptoms.
Pain
One potential symptom of adrenal cortical carcinoma is plain. As the tumor on the adrenal cortex progresses, the adrenal gland steadily grows in size. Eventually the tumor begins to place pressure on surrounding nerve tissue and on surrounding organs within the abdominal cavity, leading to chronic pain. The Cancer Treatment Centers of Canada indicates that pain from an adrenal tumor, such as an adrenocortical carcinoma, typically suffer from persistent pain the abdomen and flank. Many patients with adrenocortical carcinomas who do not develop other symptoms still suffer from unexplained pain.
Unexplained Weight Gain
Many adrenocortical carcinomas produce and secrete hormones, leading to hormone imbalances within the body. Depending on the hormones produced by the tumor, patients with adrenal cancer may experience unexplained weight gain. The release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, affect the body's metabolism and ability to store fat, and with excess cortisol leading to central obesity. A study published in "JK Science" in 2008 explains that adrenocortical tumors can lead to Cushing's disease, a condition characterized by truncal obesity. Excess cortisol due to an adrenal cancer may respond to hormone therapies to help prevent or treat obesity, so patients with unexplained weight changes should seek medical attention to assess their hormone levels.
Hirsutism
Another possible symptom of adrenocortical carcinoma is excess hair growth, called hirsutism. Some adrenocortical carcinomas secrete male hormones, called androgens. Excessive androgen production in women often leads to the development of a number of symptoms, including male-pattern hair growth. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that women with hirsutism commonly grow coarse dark hair on their breasts, abdomen and upper lip. Patients experiencing abnormal hair growth should seek medical attention to check their hormone levels, receive treatment for their hormonal imbalance and investigate the possibility of an adrenal tumor such as adrenocortical carcinoma.
