Adrenal cancer, also known as adrenal carcinoma, is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that begins in the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped organs located on top of each kidney. They are responsible for producing important hormones, including adrenaline, cortisol, aldosterone, and sex hormones. Adrenal cancer can develop in either the cortex (outer layer) or medulla (inner layer) of the adrenal glands. Most adrenal cancers originate in the adrenal cortex, and these are known as adrenocortical carcinomas. Adrenal cancers are rare and often grow rapidly, which can make them harder to detect early.
There are two main types of adrenal cancer:
Symptoms of adrenal cancer can include:
Adrenal cancer is caused by a variety of factors, including:
Adrenal cancer goes through several stages, including:
Diagnosis of adrenal cancer typically involves a combination of physical examination, blood tests, and imaging tests.
Treatment for adrenal cancer depends on the stage of the disease and the individual's health. Some common treatments include: