About Adrenal Cancers
There is no routine adrenal cancer. Adrenal cancer is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that grows in the tissues of the adrenal glands — the two small, triangle-shaped glands located just above each kidney. The adrenal glands produce vital hormones that control the circulatory (vascular) system and almost every organ system in the body.
When cancer develops in the adrenal glands, it can cause these glands to overproduce certain hormones, which may cause a variety of symptoms, or sometimes, no noticeable symptoms at all. Adrenal cancer can be diagnosed in both children and adults.
If you have been diagnosed with an adrenal disorder or adrenal cancer, would like a second opinion or would like to speak with an endocrine specialist on our Comprehensive Adrenal Program team, please call 614-293-7171 to make an appointment.
Types of Adrenal Cancer
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is cancer that develops in the adrenal cortex (the outside layers) of the adrenal gland. The adrenal cortex produces a variety of hormones that:
- Balance the water and salt in the body.
- Help keep blood pressure normal.
- Help control the body's use of protein, fat and carbohydrates.
- Cause the body to have masculine or feminine characteristics.
Adrenal cancer is a rare and complex disease that often causes the adrenal gland to produce too many hormones (called a functioning tumor). In some cases, the adrenal gland does not produce extra hormones (this is called a nonfunctioning tumor).
Malignant pheochromocytoma is cancer that develops in the medulla cortex or the inside layer of the adrenal gland. The adrenal medulla produces a variety of hormones called catecholamines (adrenaline or noradrenaline) that:
- Control the heart rate.
- Help keep blood pressure normal.
- Help control the body's blood sugar.
- Control the way the body reacts to stress.
Malignant pheochromocytoma may affect both adrenal glands or just one. Occasionally, there is more than one tumor in one adrenal gland.
A malignant pheochromocytoma may release too much adrenaline and noradrenaline into the bloodstream and cause signs and symptoms of the disease.