Understanding Adrenal Cancer
Adrenal cancer is a disease where harmful cells grow in the adrenal glands — two small glands that sit just above your kidneys and make important hormones that help control your blood pressure, energy levels, and how your body handles stress. When these glands are affected by cancer, they may stop working properly or produce too many hormones, causing a range of symptoms throughout the body. If you or your doctor notices unusual changes in your body that may be linked to your adrenal glands, it is important to get checked so that treatment can begin as early as possible.
Common Symptoms / Concerns for Adrenal Cancer
When to Seek Professional Care
Book an evaluation with a healthcare provider immediately if you experience or present with:
- Sudden severe pain in your back or side that does not go away
- Very high blood pressure that comes on suddenly and causes headaches or blurred vision
- Rapid unexplained weight loss over a few weeks
- Extreme weakness where you cannot carry out normal daily activities
- Feeling your heart beating very fast or irregularly
- Sudden confusion, dizziness, or fainting
- A visible lump or swelling in your abdomen that was not there before
What to Expect During Your Medical Consultation
When you visit the doctor, they will ask you about the symptoms you have been experiencing, how long they have been going on, and whether anyone in your family has had similar health problems. The doctor will then examine you — checking your blood pressure, feeling your abdomen for any unusual lumps, and looking for other signs that your hormones may be out of balance. They may also ask for some blood and urine tests, and possibly a scan of your abdomen, to get a clearer picture of what is happening inside your body — all of these steps are there to help find the best way to support you.
Medical Divisions Vetted for Adrenal Cancer
Our platform supports multiple clinical specialties capable of providing consultations for this visit type:
Hormone Doctor
Clinicians available for adrenal cancer consultations.
Related Conditions
Conditions commonly associated with Adrenal Cancer consultations:
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Also known as: Impotence, Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, Erectile issues, Male sexual dysfunction, Erection problems
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes adrenal cancer?
Adrenal cancer happens when cells in the adrenal glands — small glands that sit on top of your kidneys — start growing out of control. Doctors do not always know exactly why this happens, but changes in certain genes can play a role. Some people are born with gene changes that make them more likely to develop this type of cancer.
Can adrenal cancer be treated?
Yes, adrenal cancer can be treated, especially when it is found early. The most common treatment is surgery to remove the tumour. Doctors may also use medicines or radiation therapy to help control the cancer, and many patients in West Africa can access these treatments at specialist hospitals.
Does adrenal cancer run in families?
In some cases, adrenal cancer can run in families due to inherited gene changes passed from parent to child. If a close family member has had adrenal cancer or certain other cancers, it is worth telling your doctor. They may suggest genetic testing to check if you or your children carry any of these gene changes.
What is the difference between a benign and a cancerous adrenal tumour?
A benign adrenal tumour is not cancer — it grows slowly, stays in one place, and usually does not spread to other parts of the body. A cancerous tumour, on the other hand, can grow quickly and spread to nearby organs or other parts of the body, which makes it more dangerous. Your doctor will use scans and sometimes a biopsy to tell the difference between the two.
Can lifestyle changes help with adrenal cancer?
Lifestyle changes alone cannot cure adrenal cancer, but they can support your overall health during treatment. Eating well, staying active when you are able, and avoiding smoking or heavy alcohol use can help your body cope better with treatment. Always talk to your doctor before making big changes to your diet or daily routine.
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