A rare form of cancer, adrenal cancer originates from one or both adrenal glands on top of the kidneys. This form of cancer may occur at any age. However, it’s more likely to affect children under the age of 5 and adults between 40 and 50. While the condition has no precise cure, early detection can help one’s healthcare team manage it successfully. Hence, one must know the signs of adrenal cancer for effective treatment.

Top signs and symptoms of adrenal cancer
The adrenal glands produce hormones that instruct almost every organ and tissue in the body. Typically, adrenal cancer can show its symptoms in two ways – it can be related to the overproduction of hormones or associated with the size of the tumor.

Further, the symptoms linked to the hormones are easier to detect in children than in adults. This happens because physical changes are more noticeable during puberty. Some of the warning signs of adrenal cancer are:

Excessive hair growth in females
Usually, patients with adrenal cancer produce an elevated amount of testosterone. This can lead to increased hair growth in various body parts, such as underarms, face, and pubic areas.

Enlarged breasts in males
Another warning sign of adrenal cancer includes gynecomastia or enlarged male breast tissue. While this sign of adrenal cancer is rare in children, the overproduction of estrogen can lead to such changes in males and can cause the enlarged breasts to become tender. Nevertheless, one must keep in mind that this particular symptom cannot be noticed in the beginning. Instead, it can become increasingly visible when the tumor progresses.

Early puberty in females
In cases where there is an increase in the production of estrogen in female children, one of the early signs of adrenal cancer can be the onset of early puberty. This condition, also known as pseudo-precocious puberty, can cause sexual development to begin prematurely – before the age of 8. This can make way for the development of breasts and the onset of menarche – the first occurrence of menstruation in females.

Abdominal pain
As the adrenal cancer or tumor grows, it can put pressure on nearby tissues and organs, such as the stomach. Over time, this sudden increase in pressure over the other organs can lead to chronic abdominal pain. If one experiences this particular symptom, they must consult a healthcare professional at the earliest.

Conn’s disease
This adrenal disease, also called Conn’s syndrome, can result from the overproduction of a hormone known as aldosterone. Typically, this condition can manifest in the form of low potassium levels and high blood pressure. If left untreated, it can raise one’s risk of developing other health complications, such as heart rhythm irregularities, heart attacks, and strokes.

A feeling of fullness
As mentioned previously, the growth of the tumor may result in it pressing down on other tissues and organs. This can result in a feeling of fullness in the abdomen and can cause a decrease in appetite in the patients.

A presence of a lump or mass in the abdomen region
One of the first signs reported by patients with adrenal cancer is a visible lump or mass in the abdomen region. Especially in the case of benign tumors. Hence, people experiencing this particular symptom must get a physical examination done. This exam must especially be focused on the abdomen region.

Cushing syndrome
One of the signs of adrenal cancer is an increase in cortisol levels in the body. This health issue can cause a problem known as Cushing syndrome. In most cases, people with this condition may experience different signs. Hence, here are some warning signs to look out for:

Fat deposits behind the shoulders and neck
Increase in bruises
Loss of muscle in the legs and weakness
High blood pressure
High blood sugar levels
Bloated neck and face
Irregular or absent menstruation
A decrease in the growth rate of children

Some patients with adrenal cancer and Cushing syndrome can have all the above-mentioned signs and symptoms. At the same time, others with increased cortisol levels may only experience a few of them.

Cushing syndrome also results in certain changes in the skin which can be noticed easily. One of these differences is in the form of purple-colored stretch marks on various parts of the body. This can encompass the skin of the thighs, abdomen, breasts, and upper arms. Generally, these marks are sized between half an inch and 1 centimeter. In rare cases, they can also be wider.

According to the American Cancer Society, the symptoms of adrenal cancer do not appear in the early stages of the condition. Hence, if one experiences one or more of the above-mentioned signs, they must consult a doctor or cancer specialist at the earliest. This can result in early diagnosis and pave the way for a treatment plan that caters to the patient’s symptoms.