Health's Book

Definition

Adrenal gland cancers are rare cancers occuring in the endocrine tissue of the adrenals. They are characterized by overproduction of adrenal gland hormones.

Symptoms

It is not known what causes adrenal gland cancer, but some cases are associated with hereditary diseases. Symptoms of adrenal cancer are related to the specific hormones produced by that tumor. An adrenocortical carcinoma typically secretes high amounts of cortisol, producing Cushing's Syndrome. This syndrome produces progressive weight gain, rounding of the face, and increased blood pressure. Women can experience menstrual cycle alterations and men can experience feminization. The symptoms for pheochromocytoma include hypertension, acidosis, unexplained fever and weight loss. Because of the hormones produced by this type of tumor, anxiety is often a feature also