Recognizing the Symptoms of Adrenal Cancer
Adrenal gland cancer is a disease that, although not very common, can have devastating consequences if not detected early.
This cancer occurs in the adrenal glands, which are small glands located at the top of each kidney.
In this opportunity, we will describe the main symptoms of this disease, as well as some specific hormonal changes that may indicate its presence.
Common Symptoms of Adrenal Cancer
In the early stages, adrenal cancer may not have clear symptoms.
However, as the disease progresses, a number of symptoms may appear, such as:
Unexplained Weight Gain
One of the first signs is unexplained weight gain.
This happens because the tumor can cause the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol than they normally would, which can trigger an increase in body weight.
Muscle weakness
Muscle weakness is also a common symptom of adrenal cancer.
This symptom is usually the result of an excess production of certain hormones, which can lead to a loss of muscle mass.
Pink or Purple Stretch Marks on the Skin
Stretch marks on the skin can also be a sign of adrenal cancer.
These stretch marks, which are similar to those that appear during pregnancy, are the result of skin stretching due to weight gain.
Specific hormonal symptoms
Adrenal cancer is characterized by specific hormonal symptoms, depending on which hormones are being overproduced by the tumor.
Hormonal Changes in Women
In women, hormonal disruption can lead to changes in the menstrual cycle, excessive growth of facial and body hair, as well as changes in the voice.
Symptoms of Excess Cortisol
Excess cortisol can be reflected through symptoms such as: weight gain, fatigue, muscle weakness, high blood sugar, anxiety, or depression.
Symptoms of Excess Androgens and Estrogens
Excessive production of androgens and estrogens often leads to changes in the physical appearance of both men and women, including: the growth of body and facial hair in women, and the development of feminine characteristics in men.
Advanced Symptoms
As adrenal cancer progresses, other symptoms may develop.
Among them we can mention:
Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain is a sign that occurs when the adrenal tumor is large or when the cancer has spread to other organs.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure may indicate the presence of a type of adrenal tumor called pheochromocytoma.
This tumor has the particularity of producing hormones that cause blood pressure to rise.
Symptoms of Metastasis
Symptoms of metastasis, which is when cancer has spread to other parts of the body, can include bone pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.
When to See a Doctor
If you have any of the symptoms listed above, it’s time to contact a doctor as soon as possible.
Early diagnosis is key to successful treatment of adrenal cancer.
Recognizing Early Symptoms
Recognizing the early symptoms of adrenal cancer can save lives.
Getting a timely diagnosis and receiving the right treatment for this type of neoplasm is the only thing that can help you increase the chances of a satisfactory outcome.
