What is adrenal cancer?
Adrenal cancer, also known as adrenocortical carcinoma, occurs when cancerous cells grow in one or both adrenal glands. These two tiny, triangular glands, located just above each kidney, produce hormones that regulate many important body functions like blood pressure, metabolism, and stress responses. Adrenal cancer is most effectively treated when it's caught early, before it spreads to other parts of the body.
At Penn Medicine, endocrinologists who specialize in hormone-related diseases work closely with oncologists to diagnose and treat adrenal gland cancer. These specialists consider all aspects of your diagnosis and health history to develop an individualized treatment plan that's right for you.
Signs and symptoms of adrenal cancer
A cancerous mass on the adrenal glands can increase hormone levels produced by the glands. These hormones include cortisol, androgen, and aldosterone. Higher levels of each hormone can cause specific symptoms.
When the body produces too much cortisol, you may experience:
- A rounded, fatty hump high on the upper back (buffalo hump)
- A full, rounded face (moon face) that may appear flushed
- Weight gain that may lead to obesity
- Slowed growth in children (short stature)
Androgen is a sex hormone that impacts female and male development. In people assigned female at birth, abnormal androgen levels create the appearance of male characteristics, also known as virilization. This can include increased body hair (especially on the face), deepening of the voice, and an enlarged clitoris. Virilization may also occur in people assigned male at birth and may impact fertility and testes function.
Elevated aldosterone levels can lead to low potassium in your blood, which causes:
- Muscle cramping
- Overall weakness
- Abdominal pain
Why adrenal cancer develops
Adrenal gland tumors are often benign, and adrenal cancer is rare. While anyone can develop cancerous adrenal tumors, they are most commonly diagnosed in children under the age of five or in adults between the ages of 40 and 60. The exact cause of adrenal cancer is unknown, but it may be associated with some inherited diseases. Research is ongoing to determine the specific causes of adrenal cancer.
Diagnosing and testing for adrenal cancer
Your doctor will take a medical history, discuss your symptoms, and conduct a physical examination. They’ll order blood tests to check hormone levels related to cortisol, aldosterone, testosterone, estrogen, or other hormones. You’ll also have an imaging test of the abdominal area to confirm the diagnosis.
Adrenal cancer treatment options
Treatment for adrenal cancer is highly individualized. Your provider will recommend a plan based on how far the cancer has progressed and your overall health. Surgery is often recommended to remove one or both adrenal glands. Medications can help lower hormone levels and manage symptoms.
If both adrenal glands are removed during surgery, you’ll need lifelong medication to replace the hormones they normally produce.
Advanced, total care for adrenal cancer
When you receive cancer care at Penn Medicine through the Abramson Cancer Center (ACC), you’ll have access to the most advanced tools and treatments for adrenal cancer. Working with our interdisciplinary team of experts in endocrinology and oncology, you’ll get an accurate diagnosis along with a tailored care plan to meet your specific health needs.
As part of a research hospital, our doctors are tapped into the latest clinical trials and evolving medical studies to bring you the most up-to-date treatments that may not be widely available at other hospitals. Our innovative and compassionate approach is designed to bring you the highest level of care and the most effective treatment outcomes.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.