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Adrenal carcinoma is a rare tumor found in the adrenal cortex, which can cause excessive or insufficient hormone production. Symptoms include weight loss, abdominal pain, and weakness. Diagnosis is made through blood and urine tests, as well as imaging exams. Treatment ranges from surgical removal to chemotherapy, depending on the severity of the cancer.
An adrenal carcinoma, sometimes referred to as adrenal carcinoma, is a very rare tumor found in the adrenal cortex, the outer layer of the adrenal gland. The adrenal glands are small triangular glands, one of which is located at the top of each kidney. Adrenal carcinomas occur in the population every year with a frequency of one to two incidences per million people.
The adrenal cortex is the outer region of the adrenal gland and the adrenal medulla is the inner region. The adrenal glands produce corticosteroids, adrenaline, and other important hormones that help control blood pressure, heart rate, and other important body functions.
When the cells in the glands are cancerous, they can cause too much or too little hormone production. Functioning tumors are cancerous tumors that produce excess hormones. Nonfunctioning tumors in the adrenal cortex don’t produce extra hormones. Excessive hormone production can cause symptoms such as diabetes, weakening of bones or high blood pressure.
The cause of adrenal cancer is unknown, but it is possible that it can be inherited. This type of cancer is most commonly found in adults between the ages of 30 and 40 and in children under the age of 5. Adrenal carcinomas are seen in both males and females.
Some generalized symptoms of adrenal cancer are weight loss without dieting, abdominal pain, excessive weakness, and failure to thrive. Prolonged exposure to high levels of the hormone cortisol, produced by functioning tumors, in body tissues could cause a hormonal disorder known as Cushing’s syndrome. Cushing’s syndrome is often identified by the presence of increased fat around the neck, upper body obesity, and a round, moon-shaped appearance.
Preliminary diagnosis of an adrenal carcinoma is usually made through blood and urine tests. These tests help determine if the body is producing normal amounts of hormones or if there is a significant imbalance. Other diagnostic studies might include C-rays, CT scans, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam, or computed tomography (CT) scan.
After a diagnosis has been made whether the lesion is cancerous, functioning or non-functioning, treatment can be determined and could range from surgical removal to simple observation. Small, non-functioning, non-growing tumors may require active surveillance and are most likely noncancerous. Localized, non-spreading tumors may require an adrenalectomy to remove the lesion. Metastatic and cancerous lesions that have spread to other parts of the body may require chemotherapy. The prognosis for adrenal carcinoma depends on how advanced the cancer is before diagnosis and treatment.
