Adrenal Cancer

Adrenal Gland Tumors

Tumors of the adrenal glands can be benign or malignant. Adrenal tumors arise from either the adrenal medulla or the adrenal cortex. In the United States, about 250 malignant adrenal gland cancers occur each year, although benign adrenal tumors are common in people over age 40.

Pheochromocytomas produce excess adrenaline and other similar hormones. They can cause headaches, increased heart rate, excessive sweating and hypertension (high blood pressure). Although 90 percent of pheochromocytomas are benign, surgery may be necessary to protect against life-threatening side effects such as severe hypertension. A small percentage of pheochromocytomas occur at more than one site (multicentric). Pheochromocytomas sometimes occur with other endocrine tumors in a rare tumor syndrome — multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndrome.

Paragangliomas (extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas) develop in tissues similar to the adrenal glands. These tumors grow anywhere in the center of the body from the ears to the pelvis. Paragangliomas develop less commonly than pheochromocytomas, but require similar treatment. Like pheochromocytomas, few paragangliomas are malignant.

Adrenocortical carcinoma occurs infrequently but grows rapidly. These adrenal cancers may produce excessive quantities of hormones such as cortisol or aldosterone.

Related conditions and syndromes

Several conditions and syndromes relate to tumors of the adrenal glands.

Cushing syndrome (hypercortisolism) is a rare disease caused by overproduction of the hormone cortisol. Symptoms include obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure), excess hair growth, muscle weakness, round red face, diabetes and other problems. The syndrome can be caused by tumors of the adrenal and pituitary glands and by rare tumors in other organs.

Conn syndrome (hyperaldosteronism) is caused by the overproduction of aldosterone. This syndrome can cause low potassium and hypertension (high blood pressure), and sometimes occurs in patients with adrenocortical carcinomas. However, most patients with Conn syndrome have small benign adrenal tumors that may require special tests, such as adrenal vein sampling, to locate the tumors.

Adrenogenital syndrome occurs when the body produces excess sex hormones.

Virilization is the process in which a woman develops male traits because her body produces excess testosterone.

Feminization is the process in which a man develops female traits because his body produces excess estrogen.

Precocious puberty is the process in which a child enters puberty early because of excess sex hormones.